AN 



ACCOUNT 



GOSPEL LABOURS 



CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCES 



JOHN CHURCHMAN. 



And they that understand among the People, shall instruct many. 
Many shall run to and fro, and Knowledge shall be increased. 

Daniel, xi, 33. xii. 4. 



PHILADELPHIA: 



PUBLISHED BY BENJAMIN h THOMAS KITE, 

NO. 20, NORTH THIRD STREET. 
J. R. A. SKERRETT, PRINTER. 

1818. 



! Of COlW*E»it 
IwASHlliCffOg] 









I? 



TO THE READER. 

IN the perusal of the following pages thou 
wilt receive a pious man's plain account of his 
beginning in the weighty work of religion, and 
his progress in a life devoted to promote the 
cause of righteousness, and the real happiness 
of mankind. 

Having experienced the spiritual taptism 
which is essential to salvation, and abiding in 
a state of watchfulness and humility, he became, 
under the Lord's Anointing, a well qualified 
instrument for the instruction and edification of 
others in the way of Godliness ; and by attend- 
ing to the gift of gospel ministry committed to 
his trust, and performing the duties required of 
him, he witnessed a growth from stature to sta- 
ture, and attained to be an upright elder and 
father in the church, being an example of the 
believers in word, in conversation, in charity, 
in spirit, in faith, in purity. 

It is not for form sake or from a mere mo- 
tive of commendation, that any thing is here 
premised respecting the deceased ; but as the 
ensuing narrative will be likely to come under 
the observation of many to whom he was either 
little known, or wholly a stranger, it seems 
necessary for the information of such enquirers, 
to make known the estimation in which he was 
held by his brethren with whom he was con- 
nected in religious society, who have given full 
declaration of their christian unity and fellow- 
ship with him, and that his life and conduct 



IV 



adorned the doctrine of the gospel, which he 
was concerned to publish. 

The monthly and quarterly-meetings of which 
he was a member from their first establishment, 
and who were many years partakers of his pi- 
ous example and labours, after recounting di- 
vers of his visits abroad, which are fully relat- 
ed by himself, testify, that 

" Although he was of a weakly constitution, 
and often infirm, especially in the latter part of 
his life, yet he appeared to be much devoted to 
the service of Truth and the good of mankind ; 
and gave up his time for that purpose, when he 
apprehended it was required of him, being fa- 
voured with a sufficiency of outward things ; 
and we believe he stood loose from the world 
and its connections, not seeking, but refraining 
opportunities he might have had to get outward 
riches ; he visited neighbouring yearly, quar- 
terly, and other meetings of Friends at times to 
his last year, and was truly useful in the dis- 
cipline of the church, having a valuable gift in 
that respect ; and was a good example in a dili- 
gent care to attend all the meetings both for 
worship and discipline to which he belonged ; 
cautious of being forward in his public appear- 
ances, and for the most part exampled us to si- 
lence in our meetings at home, especially in the 
latter part of his time; yet when he did appear 
in testimony, we think it may be truly said his 
doctrine dropt as the dew, being lively and edi- 
fying to the honest hearted, though close and 
searching to the careless professors, as well as 
to the profane, and hypocritical." 

" The elders who have ruled well are to be 



accounted honourable, so the remembrance of 
the fatherly, diligent, humble, upright, honest, 
and self-denying example of this our deceased 
friend, as also his various services in our meet- 
ings and neighbourhood remain fresh, and of a 
pleasant savour to many minds." 

Abstract from the testimony of the monthly-meeting 
of Nottingham, dated fourth month, twenty-seventh, 
1776, and signed by Samuel England, clerk. 

Which is certified to be read and approved in the 
Western quarterly-meeting held at London Grove 
in Chester County, the nineteenth of the eighth 
month 1776, by Isaac Jackson, clerk. 

In confirmation of the truth of which memo- 
rial concerning him, many others of his breth- 
ren in various places can freely subscribe. 

His deportment was grave and reverent, his 
judgment sound and clear in matters of a spi- 
ritual or temporal concern, and his natural dis- 
position being cheerful, he sometimes discover- 
ed a turn of pleasantry in conversation, which 
being careful to circumscribe within due limita- 
tions, rendered his company innocently agreea- 
ble and instructive. 

Being deeply sensible of the weight and so- 
lemnity of the gospel ministry, he manifested 
great* circumspection and care, that it might be 
preserved pure and unblemished from mistaken 
or false appearances in himself or others ; and 
in the exercise of his gift his declarations were 
plain, familiar, and concise, accompanied with 
a fervent concern that his fellow believers and 
all others might be brought to the sure know- 

A » 



VI 



ledge of an holy living principle given to direct 
and lead into true devotion of heart, and the 
practice of self denial, consistent with the doc- 
trine and precepts of Christ Jesus our Lord ; for 
the prevalence and enlargement of whose peace- 
able kingdom he was earnestly engaged, as the 
following narrative also makes evident ; that 
with a degree of propriety he might have adopt- 
ed the language of an eminent minister in the 
early age of the christian church, addressed to 
the believers, " Knowing that shortly I must 
put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord 
Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will 
endeavour that ye may be able after my decease 
to have these things always in remembrance. 
For we have not followed cunningly devised fa- 
bles, when we made known unto you the power 
and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Pet. i. 
14, 15, 16. 

What he hath written and left us is now re- 
commended to thy perusal and consideration, in 
which if thou art seriously attentive, and not 
superficial, thou mayest under the divine bless- 
ing receive profitable instruction in righteous- 
ness, which is the intent of the publication. 

Philadelphia, 9th Month, 1779, 



AN 

ACCOUNT 



OF THE 



LIFE AND TRAVELS 

OF 

JOHN CHURCHMAN, 



CHAP. I. 

His early sense of the impressions of divine love, 
and spiritual conflicts in his youth. — Death of his 
father — His marriage — The settlement of a month- 
ly meeting at Nottingham — His joining with 
other friends in visiting of families the first and 
second time — His heing appointed an Elder, and 
first appearance in the ministry, &c* 

I WAS born in the Township of Notting- 
ham, in the county of Chester, and province of 
Pennsylvania, on the fourth day of the sixth 
Mouth, 1705, and was tenderly brought up in 
profession of the Truth by my parents, John 
and Hannah Churchman, who were diligent 
attenders of Religious Meetings, both on the 
first, and other days of the week, and encour- 
agers of their children in that practice ; which 
is certainly a duty in parents so to do, and often 
owned by the reaches of Divine Love, even to 



8 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

those who are very young in years, of which I 
am a living witness ; for though I early felt re- 
proof for bad words and actions, yet knew not 
whence it came, until about the age of eight 
years, as I sat in a small meeting, the Lord, by 
the reaches of his heavenly love and goodness, 
so overcame and tendered my heart, and by his 
glorious light discovered to me the knowledge of 
himself, that I saw myself, and what I had been 
doing, and what it was which had reproved me 
for evil, and was made in the secret of my 
heart to confess that childhood and vouth, and 
the foolish actions and words to which they 
are propense, are truly vanity ; yet blessed for 
ever be the name of the Lord, who in his infi- 
nite mercy and goodness clearly informed me, 
that if I would mind the discoveries of his 
Truth and pure light for the future, what I had 
done in the time of my ignorance he would 
wink at and forgive ; and Oh ! the stream of 
love which filled my heart with solid joy at that 
time, and lasted for many days, is beyond all 
expression. Indeed I was early taught to think 
different from such who hold the perdition of 
infants, and am since confirmed in fully believ- 
ing, that the sin of our first parents is not imput- 
ed to us, (though as their offspring we are by 
nature prone to evil, which brings wrath) until 
by the discovery of light and grace, we are 
taught to distinguish between good and evil, 
and in the seed and inward principle that shew- 
eth the evil, we feel the enmity placed against 
the evil, and the author thereof, the devil, or 
wicked one. If we afterwards commit those 
things which we saw to be evil; we then fall 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 9 

under condemnation and wrath : and here every 
soul that sins must die to the sin he hath com- 
mitted, and witness the being raised again by 
the power of God, into newness of life in Christ 
Jesus, not to live to himself, to fulfil the will of 
the flesh, but to live unto him, who died to 
take away sin. 

I may not forget to relate this one thing. My 
father sent me about three miles on an errand ; 
I rode a mare which had a colt perhaps half a 
year old : on my return home, the colt ran away 
from the mare to a company of wild horses, 
which were feeding not far from the path I was 
in, so I went home without the colt : my father 
asked me where the colt was, I told him where 
it went from me : he bid me go to the place 
with speed, that it might follow the mare home. 
I went, and found the wild horses feeding on a 
piece of ground where the timber trees had 
been killed perhaps about two or three years ; 
but before I went among the dead trees, a mighty 
wind arose, which blew some down, and many 
limbs flew about. I stood still with my mind 
turned inward to the Lord, who I believed was 
able to preserve me from hurt: so I passed 
among the trees without fear, save the fear of 
the Lord, which fills the hearts of his humble 
depending children with love that is stronger 
than death. I found the colt, which readily 
followed the mare, and I returned home with 
great bowedness of heart, and thankfulness to 
the Lord, for his mercy and goodness to me on 
this occasion. 

It was my practice when I went to bed. to 
examine how I had spent the past day, and to 



10 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

endeavour to feel the presence of the Lord near ; 
which I did for some considerable time prefer 
to all other things ; and I found this practice a 
great help to sleep sweetly, and by long expe- 
rience I can recommend it to children, and 
those also of riper age. 

I suppose that no one living knew my condi- 
tion ; for I delighted to keep hidden, yet quick 
to observe the conduct of others. I remember 
a person once at my father's who spake about 
religious matters with an affected tone, as if 
he was a good man ; when he went away, I 
was near him, and when he mounted his horse, 
taking a dislike to some of his motions, he 
called him an ugly dumb beast, with such an w 
accent as bespake great displeasure, and griev- 
ed me much; for I did believe, that a man 
whose mind was sweetened with divine love 
truly, would not speak wrathfully or diminu- 
tively, even of the beasts of the field, which 
were given to man for his use ; he did not make 
them himself. I relate this instance, that it may 
be a warning to all, that they be careful of giv- 
ing offence to the little ones. 

Notwithstanding I had been favoured as be- 
fore mentioned ; yet as I grew in years, [ was 
much given to play, and began to delight again 
in several things, for which I had before been 
reproved, and still by the divine witness iu my 
mind, was brought under judgment for ; but 
having lost my innocence and covering of the 
pure blessed spirit, I endeavoured through fear 
to fly from the voice of the holy spirit in my 
own heart : the enemy persuaded me, that I 
could never be restored to my former state, be- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 11 

cause I had sinned against so great knowledge., 
or if I was, the judgment through which I must 
pass, would be intolerable to bear, so that I 
had better be cheerful, and take niy ease and 
delight ; but when I was about nine years old, 
my father sent me to school to learn to read, 
(having been taught to know my letters, and 
spell a little at home) in which I took great de- 
light, and thereby diverted myself from feeling 
my pain of mind, for the great loss of my inno- 
cence which I had sustained ; and although the 
man, by whom I was taught, was poor, and sat 
in his loom, being a weaver, while the children 
read to him, I improved very fast, and he soon 
put me to writing, and finding my capacity full 
as ripe as is common in boys of that age, he be- 
gan to teach me Arithmetic; yet gracious good- 
ness still favoured me with conviction, and by 
his spirit was witness against me, and in mercy 
the Lord visited me with a sore fit of sickness, 
and by his rod of correction brought me a little 
more to myself ; this was in the forepart of the 
winter, when I was between nine and ten years 
of age, and being pretty well recovered for 
some weeks, I had in the following spring a 
relapse of the same disorder, (the pleurisy) in 
which, by outward correction with sickness, 
and inward judgment, he was pleased to draw 
me to himself, which caused me to renew my 
covenant with him, and I did hope never more 
to stray from him, to follow lying vanities, 
whose sweets I had experienced to be bitter, 
yea exceeding bitterness in the end. I had 
taken great delight from a child to play with 



12 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

whistles, and pipes made of the bark of small 
branches of trees, and of straws of wheat and 
rye ; but now it grieved me to observe children 
delight therein, and I ventured to tell my mind 
to some concerning such things. 

Man is distinguished from other creatures 
not only by his voice, but by varying the 
breath together with the orderly motion of 
tongue and lips ; that voice is made to convey 
the ideas of the mind and thoughts of the heart 
to his fellow-creatures ; and as he was created 
to glorify his maker, the end and intention of 
his voice should be directed to promote his 
glory among men; whether in things natural, 
or spiritual, that is of this life, or that to come. 
Music as now commonly used, and whistling and 
singing have no such tendency ; but are rather 
diversions of the mind from what it ought to 
be employed about, and therefore a base con- 
sumption of precious time, which man must be 
accountable for ; which, if enough regarded, in- 
stead of music, whistling, and singing merry, 
foolish, and profane songs, many would have 
occasion to lament and weep for their mispent 
time. I leave it as a caution to parents, to be- 
ware of indulging their dear children in any 
thing, which may impress their tender minds 
with a desire after music, or such diversion 
when they grow in years ; but that instead 
thereof, by living in the pure fear of the Lord, 
and near the spirit of truth in their own hearts, 
they may be furnished with example and pre- 
cept to direct the minds of their offspring, to 
attend to the voice of him who called to Samuel 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 13 

iu the days of old, and remains to be the same 
teacher to his people in this age ; may his holy 
name be magnified for ever, and ever ! 

I retained my care and circumspection for 
some time ; but through unwatchfulness, and a 
desire for play, which led into lightness and 
forgetfulness, I lost this state before I was 
twelve years of age ; and though the Lord was 
near, and followed me by his reproof, in order 
to bring me under judgment, I fled from it as 
much as I could; having let in a belief, that as 
I had been favoured to taste in so wonderful a 
manner, " of the good word of life, and power 
of the world to come, and had so shamefully 
fallen away, there remained for me no more sa- 
crifice for sin ; but a fearful looking for of judg- 
ment, and fiery indignation ;" which as I thought 
seemed to burn in me to that degree, that 1 was 
afraid to be alone ; for it seemed to be loudly 
proclaimed in me, that whether I eat, or drank, 
waked, or slept, I was accursed, and when 
alone I abhorred myself; but when in company 
used my utmost endeavours to hide my condi- 
tion, by being cheerful and arch in my dis- 
course, and was thought by most young people 
to have a knack as they called it, at jesting and 
witty turns ; yet even in this time, I entertain- 
ed such a value for religion, that I was not 
willing to reveal my situation ; lest I should 
be a reproach thereto, or discourage others 
from seeking happiness ; but when night came, 
and I went to bed, no tongue can express the 
anguish I felt ; afraid to lay awake, and afraid 
to desire sleep, lest I should be cut off from 
the land of the living, and my portion appoint- 
a 



14 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

ed in utter darkness. I so far neglected nv\ 
learning, that when about thirteen years old, £ 
could not read but in a poor manner, though 
once noted to be a ready reader ; I was not wil- 
ling that good friends should take notice of me, 
or look me steadily in the face ; for I thought 
they would discern my wickedness, and it 
would be a trouble to them, or by their reprov- 
ing me, add to my distress ; I seemed to be 
left without any power to resist what I knew 
to be evil, and being ashamed that I had so 
lost my little learning, I sought to divert my- 
self by endeavouring to regain it; my former 
genius, and delight so returned, that when I 
was about fifteen years of age, I had made 
great improvement, not only in reading, but in 
writing, and arithmetic, and several branches 
of the mathematics, and began to value myself 
in some degree thereon ; and so got over the 
convictions of the divine witness, which spoke 
trouble in me ; nevertheless during this time I 
kept close in attending meetings, hoping at 
seasons, that perhaps the Lord would conde- 
scend once more to visit me ; for a saying of 
an eminent pious man was revived in my re- 
membrance " That if there remained a desire 
in the heart after redemption, as it was kept to, 
the Lord would again assuredly visit such in 
his own time." So that I was fearful of neg- 
lecting meetings, if my parents had not for- 
warded me, lest I might miss of the good in- 
tended for me ; yet the subtle working of the 
power of darkness was at times very great, 
suggesting to me that all things came by na- 
ture, and that there was no God, no heaven, no 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 15 

devil; no punishment for evil, religion a jest, 
and painful care about futurity a silly whim, 
propagated to deprive people of pleasure ; but 
blessed be the Lord ! he preserved me from that 
snare ; for while I felt his judgment for sin, I 
believed in his Being, and holiness ; and I am 
indeed fully of the mind, that no man can be 
an atheist before he acts contrary to knowledge ; 
when, to allay the horror and anguish of mind 
he feels for the commission of sin, he closes in 
with this temptation. At other times, the same 
subtle power would tempt me to despair of 
mercy, which if given way to, would lead to 
distraction ; but the hand of the Lord was un- 
derneath, though for my disobedience he suf- 
fered me to remain in the wilderness, and to 
dwell among fiery serpents, until he had wast- 
ed that in me which lusted after forbidden 
things. 

In this state I continued until I was about 
nineteen years of age, and as I was walking 
one day to meeting, thinking on my forlorn 
condition, and remembering the bread in my 
heavenly Father's house, when I was a duti- 
ful child, and that by straying from him, and 
spending my portion, I had been eight years 
in grievous want, I inwardly cried ; if thou 
art pleased again to visit me, I beseech thee 
O Lord ! visit my body with sickness, or pain, 
or whatever thou may please, so that the 
will of the old man may be slain with the 
transgression, and every thing in me, that thy 
controversy is against, that I may be made a 
sanctified vessel by thy power ; spare only my 



16 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

life, until my redemption is wrought, and my 
peace made with thee ! 

About this time my father died in the tenth 
month, 17&4, w r hich was a great loss to our 
whole family, and as he had allotted me to live 
with, and take care of my mother, it became my 
duty to keep mostly at home ; I spent near a 
year much in the condition abovementioned; 
often out of hope of ever attaining to that state 
I had witnessed when very young; but in the 
fall of the year after I had arrived to the age of 
20 years, it pleased the Lord to remember me, 
who had been an exile in captivity under the 
old taskmaster in Egypt spiritually, and by his 
righteous judgments mixed with unspeakable 
mercies, to make way for my deliverance. I 
was visited with a sore fit of sickness, which 
in a few days so fully awakened me, that I 
had no hope of ever being again intrusted with 
health; my mispent time, and all my trans- 
gressions were brought to my remembrance, 
and heavy judgment was upon me for them; I 
was met with in this narrow path, and could no 
longer fly from God and his spirit in my con- 
science, whose sore displeasure I had justly 
incurred. I had heard of men who had been 
notorious offenders, and fled from the justice of 
the common law, until they became out-lawed; 
such in a spiritual sense my case appeared to 
be ; I thought I had as it were heard an act of 
grace and free pardon repeatedly proclaimed, 
if I would return and live uprightly for the fa- 
hire; but in the time of such visitations, I con- 
cluded it was only to bring me under judgment 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 17 

to take me from my pleasure, for that mine of- 
fences would never be pardoned, and so I had 
withstood, or neglected those visitations. I now 
saw clearly, that herein I had followed the lying 
suggestions of Satan mine enemy. At this 
time my old will in the fallen nature gave up its 
life, and I cried, " I am not worthy to live or 
enjoy favour, yet O Lord ! if thou wilt be pleased 
to look on me with an eye of pity, do what thou 
wilt with me ; magnify thy own name, prepare 
me by thy judgments and power, that thy mercy 
may be shewn in and by me, whether thou cut 
the thread of my life, or shall grant me more 
days, which is only in thy power." Now my heart 
was made exceedingly tender, I w r ept much, and 
an evidence was given me that the Lord had 
heard my cry, and in mercy looked down on 
me from his holy habitation, and a willing heart 
and patience was given me to bear his chastise- 
ments and the working of his eternal word of 
power, which created all things at the begin- 
ning, and by which poor fallen man only is 
created a new in the heavenly image, and pre- 
pared to praise him with acceptance, who lives 
for ever and ever. 

Whilst I lay in this condition, perhaps I was 
thought by those who watched with me to be 
near expiring ; but though I said little or no- 
thing, I believe I was quite sensible, yet ex- 
ceedingly weakened ; having for about twenty- 
four hours felt more inward and inexpressible 
anguish than outward pain, which was no 
doubt great ; I take it to be toward the morn- 
ing of the fifth day and night of my illness, that 
I felt the incomes and owning of divine love in 
b S 



18 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

a greater degree than ever ; for the prospect I 
had of so great forgiveness made me love the 
more ; for love is ever reciprocal. I remember 
that I saw the morning light, and thought all 
things looked new and sweet ; I lay where the 
sun shone near, or on my bed, and have some- 
times since thought, that being weak, the 
strength of the light and too much company 
hurt me. I leave this hint to excite nurses and 
those who have the care of very weak indis- 
posed people, to beware of letting over-much 
light come upon them, or many visitors, except 
they be such who are sensible of the state of the 
Weak by being inward and quiet, waiting to feel 
the sympathy which Truth gives ; the company 
of such being truly refreshing. 

It pleased the Lord so to restore me, that I 
recovered my usual strength, and was frequently 
humbled under a sense of the tender dealings 
of a merciful (rod, whose goodness and owning 
love I felt to be very near; I then loved retire- 
ment and inwardly to feel after the incomes of 
life, and was often fearful lest I should again 
fall away. In this time it was manifested to 
me, that if in patience I stood faithful, I should 
be called to the work of the ministry. I loved 
to attend religious meetings, especially those 
for discipline, and it was clearly shewn me, 
that all who attend those meetings should in- 
wardly wait in great awfulness, to know the 
immediate presence of Christ the head of the 
Church, to give them an understanding what 
their several services are, and for ability to 
answer the requirings of Truth ; for it is by the 
light and spirit thereof, that the Lord's work 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 19 

is done with acceptance, and none should pre- 
sume to speak or act without its motion, and 
direction ; for they who act and speak without it, 
do often darken counsel, mislead the weak, and 
expose their own folly, to the burthen and grief 
of sensible friends. It was in great fear that I 
attempted to speak in these meetings ; and as I 
kept low with an eye single to the honour of 
Truth, I felt peace and inward strength to in- 
crease from time to time ; and it is good for all 
who are concerned to speak to matters in meet- 
ings for discipline, in the first place to take heed 
that their own spirits do not prompt thereto, and 
to mind the time when to speak fitly ; for a word 
in season from a pure heart, is precious, and 
frequently prevents debates instead of minis- 
tering contention ; and when they have spoken 
to business, they should turn inward to feel 
whether the pure Truth owns them, and in 
that rest, without an over anxious care whether 
it succeeds at that time, or not ; so friends will 
be preserved from being lifted up because their 
service is immediately owned ; or if it should 
be rejected or slighted, in this inward humble 
state the labour is felt and seen to be the 
Lord's. 

It is a great favour from the Lord, that he 
is pleased to cover his children with his pure 
fear, and array their souls with the garment of 
humility, that they may stand in his presence 
with acceptance, waiting to be taught of his 
ways, in meekness to be guided in judgment ; 
these only feel the necessity of minding that 
excellent exhortation " Be ye stedfast, immove- 
able, always abounding in the work of the 



20 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

Lord." In a degree of reverent thankfulness, 
I bless the name of the Lord through his be- 
loved Son, that I then according to my measure 
knew what I now write ; it was a time of grow- 
ing with me, I rarely passed a day without feel- 
ing the incomes of divine life, and was favoured 
strongly to desire " The sincere milk of the 
holy word," that in humility I might grow 
thereby in substance; but afterwards I was 
left, and withdrawn from, so that for days, yea 
many days together, I was without inward re- 
freshment, and ready to fear that I had offended 
my gracious Redeemer ; and being thoughtful, 
and inwardly engaged to know the cause, I 
had to consider, that children, though they may 
be thriving and darlings of their natural pa- 
rents, are not fit for much business until they 
are weaned, and although they grow finely, 
they are gradually taught to wait the appointed 
time between meals, before they have much 
care of their father's business, and are further 
prepared, so as to miss a set meal, or be a 
longer time without outward food, before they 
are fit for a journey: and with these thoughts, 
(leaving the reader to judge from whence they 
came) a hope began to revive in me, that I was 
not forsaken, which indeed, as I kept patient, 
I was abundantly sensible of at times, even 
those times which are in the Lord's hand; for 
his children experience that the times of re- 
freshment come from him, who, when he hath 
exercised and proved them in his infinite kind- 
ness, is pleased to cause them to sit down, and 
condescends himself to serve them. Blessed 
for ever be the name of the Lord who knows 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 21 

how to prepare his soldiers to remain faithful, 
and to endure with patience (what the natural 
man would account) hardness. 

I had strong desires that elderly friends 
should be good examples to the youth, not only 
in word, and conversation, but in meetings for 
the worship of God ; and it grieved me exceed- 
ingly to see any of them overcome with sleep ; 
and my concern for one friend on that account 
was so great, that I knew not what was best to 
do, and reasoned after this manner, Lord ! thou 
knowest that I am young, and he an elderly 
man, he will not take it well that I should 
speak to him, and perhaps I may yet fall ; and 
if so, the more I take upon me the greater my 
fall will be : besides, though I have spoken in 
meetings for discipline, when truth hath been 
strong upon me, yet out of meetings I am not 
fit to reprove or speak to particulars : for I 
was cautious indeed in those days, of talking 
about religion, or good things, from a fear of 
getting a habit thereof, and so not know the 
true motion ; which I thought I had observed 
to be the failing of some. In this straight it 
came in my mind to go to the person in the 
night, as the most private time and manner; 
for if I took him aside before or after a meet- 
ing, others might wonder for what, and I might 
betray my weakness, and reproach the good 
cause, and do no good; and if the friend should 
be displeased with me, he might publicly shew, 
what otherwise he would conceal after a pri- 
vate deliberation. So in the evening I went, 
desiring the Lord to go with me, and guide me, 
if it was a motion from him. When I came to 



22 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

the house it was dark, I called, and the friend 
came out to see who was there, and invited me 
in ; I told him I was in haste to go home, but 
wanted to speak with him if he pleased, and so 
passed quietly toward home, to draw him from 
the door; and then told him inv concern for him 
in a close, honest, plain manner, and without 
staying to reason much, left him in a tender 
loving disposition, as I believe. I returned 
home with great inward peace. When thou 
doest, or givest alms, let not thy left hand know 
what thy right doth, was an excellent precept; 
that left hand of self should not act in such 
things, no matter how privately they are done, 
they often answer the end better ; neither is it 
a fault to lay things low, and familiar; the truth 
will have its own weight, and accompany what 
it dictates with its own evidence. My inten- 
tion in writing this, is to encourage the humble 
careful traveller in the way of his duty. At 
some times, it appeared to be likely to do most 
good to write my mind to some, which I did 
with success, as I aimed only at a discharge of 
duty, in the most private manner, and the good 
of those to whom I wrote. 

When I had entered the twenty fifth year of 
my age, I accomplished marriage with Marga- 
ret Brown, a virtuous young woman, whom I 
had loved as a sister for several years, because 
I believed she loved religion. I think I may 
say safely, it was in a good degree of the Lord's 
pure fear, and a sense of the pointings of truth, 
on both sides, that we took each other on the 
27th day of the eleventh month 1/29, (old style) 
in an appointed meeting at East Nottingham, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 25 

and I thought that our heavenly Father owned 
us with his presence at that time. The cove- 
nants made in marriage are exceeding great, and 
I think they never can be rightly kept and truly 
performed without Divine assistance; and am 
convinced, if all who enter into a marriage state 
would in the Lord's fear truly seek his assist- 
ance, they would know their own tempers kept 
down, and instead of jarring, and discord, unity 
of spirit, harmony of conduct, and a concern to 
be exemplary to their offspring would increase, 
and be maintained. 

The summer following, in the year 1730, a 
monthly-meeting was settled at Nottingham, 
(being before a branch of "New-Garden monthly- 
meeting) by the advice, and appointment of the 
quarterly-meeting. This brought a fear and 
weighty concern upon me and many others, 
that the affairs of truth might be managed to the 
honour thereof; for we had but few substantial 
elderly friends. Iu a sense of our weakness, it 
was the breathing desire of my soul, that the 
Lord would be pleased for his own sake, and 
the honour of his great Name, to be near to his 
children, and inspire them with wisdom and 
judgment for his own work; and blessed for- 
ever be his holy Name ! I believe he heard our 
cry, and in measure answered our prayers; be- 
ing kept low, and humble, it was a growing 
time to several. My affection to friends of 
New-Garden monthly-meeting was so great, 
that for many months after we parted from 
them, I seldom missed attending it, and therein 
had great satisfaction ; and some of their mem- 



£4 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

bers frequently attended ours, for our love to- 
wards each other was mutual. 

When I was about twenty-six years of age, 
some friends were appointed to perform a fa- 
mily visit, and being desirous of my company, 
I joined with them, and therein felt the ownings 
of Truth in some degree ; but notwithstanding 
I saw at times the states of families, and par- 
ticulars, yet not in so clear a manner as I 
thought necessary to become my duty to open 
my mouth in the service, save now and then, 
in a private way to particulars, of which none 
knew except those to whom I spake. At one 
house the friends on the service had a good op- 
portunity, several young folks, some of whom 
were not of the family being present. I felt the 
Divine presence to be very near, and a motion 
to conclude that sitting in supplication and 
thanksgiving to the Lord, but was not hasty, 
for fear of doing what was not required of me, 
so omitted it; and afterwards asked an experi- 
enced worthy minister, if he had ever known 
any friend appear in a meeting in public pray- 
er, before they had ever appeared in public tes- 
timony ; which enquiry I made in such a man- 
ner as to give him no mistrust of me. He an- 
swered, " nay, I believe it would be very un- 
common." It struck me pretty closely, but I 
kept my condition very private; having been 
exceedingly fearful of deception, and now be- 
gan to doubt whether it was not a delusion for 
me, to entertain an apprehension that I should 
be called to the work of the ministry; the con- 
cern whereof had been at times very heavy up- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 25 

on me; though no motion that felt like a gen- 
tle command to break silence until at the house 
before mentioned. Now I let in reasoning, and 
so departed for a time from my inward guide 
and safest counsellor, as all assuredly will who 
place their dependence on man for instruction 
to perform duties required of them ; or who for- 
bear or reason against the humbling, gentle 
motions and leadings of the spirit of truth. 
Much safer it is to attend steadily thereunto for 
instruction and ability to perform religious 
services; which when so performed in meekness, 
we ought to be tender of the sentiments of our 
brethren concerning them, and not over confi- 
dent of our call and commission ; for our bre- 
thren have a measure of the same spirit by 
which we are taught, and have a sense and right 
thereby given to judge of our service. A be- 
coming diffidence of ourselves, and a readiness 
to attend to the advice of such, is ever the badge 
of true discipleship ; humbling Divine Love 
teaches to esteem others, rather than ourselves. 
This was an exercising time to me, but I did 
not discover it to any one. I seemed to be for- 
saken, though not sensible of much judgment 
for my omission of duty; for I could with sin- 
cerity appeal to him who knoweth all things, 
that it did not proceed from wilful disobedience, 
but a fear of following a wrong spirit; and a 
secret hope revived that my gracious Lord and 
master would not quite cast me off: and blessed 
be his holy name ! he did not leave me very 
long before I was favoured as usual, but had 
no motion of the same kind. 



26 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

When this visit was over, I kept much at 
home, yet was careful to attend meetings on the 
first and other davs of the week, and found 
work enough to watch against a lukewarm, in- 
dolent Spirit, which would come over me when 
I sat down to wait upon God. Though I came 
to the meeting in a lively warm engagement of 
mind, I found the warfare against lukewarm- 
ness, sleepiness, and a roving mind, must be 
steadily maintained ; and if none of these hin- 
drances were given way to, the Lord when he 
had proved his children, would arise for their 
help and scatter his and their enemies ; which 
my soul experienced many times beyond ex- 
pression. The Lord alone is all-powerful and 
worthy to be waited upon and worshipped in 
humility and reverent adoration of soul for ever. 
Indolence and lukewarmness bring darkness 
and death over a meeting ; and when generally 
given way to, occasion hard work for even the 
most livingly exercised friends to get from un- 
der the burthen and weight thereof. It was a 
mercy that I was preserved seeking, and could 
not be satisfied without feeling the renewings 
of Divine favour ; by which I rather grew in the 
root of religion, though I thought very slow, 
but had hope it would be lasting. 

The love of truth, I believe it was, and a 
desire that the discipline and good order of the 
church might be maintained, made me willing 
to take considerable pains to attend neighbour- 
ing monthly-meetings ; which I think was a bles- 
sing to me in some good degree, being thereby 
often instructed. And I have often admired at 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 27 

the slackness of some that suffer trifling things 
to keep them from their meetings for worship 
on week days and first days ; for though curi- 
osity brings such to monthly-meetings, they are 
seldom of any real service when they come, not 
being sensible of that pure Divine love in which 
the Church through its several members edi- 
fieth itself. And as any one becomes truly sen- 
sible thereof, they will delight to wait upon 
God with their brethren and sisters, wiio is the 
fountain of pure love, and so fills the hearts of 
his humble, depending children therewith, that 
by it they are known to be his disciples. 

In the year 1731, our ancient and worthy 
friend William Brown, who had been in the 
station of an elder many years, growing feeble 
and incapable to attend the quarterly-meeting 
of ministers and elders, friends of our particu- 
lar meeting proposed me to the monthly-meet- 
ing for that service ; which brought a close ex- 
ercise upon me, considering myself a youth, and 
the weight of the service. But after a solid con- 
sideration, I found most peace in submitting to 
the meeting, with fervent inward desires that 
the Lord would be pleased to be with me there- 
in, to preserve me from acting or judging in my 
own will and spirit ; knowing that the service 
could not be performed but by wisdom, under- 
standing, and ability from him. When I attend- 
ed those large and weighty meetings of ministers 
and elders, the care and fear that was upon me 
is not easily expressed ; and may I never for- 
get the gracious condescension of kind provi- 
dence, who was pleased to own me by the shed- 
ding abroad of his love in my heart, that I ve- 



28 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS. 

rily thought they resembled the school of the 
prophets ; the High PriesF, great Prophet, and 
Bishop of Souls, our Lord Jesus Christ being 
president among them. 

An apprehension that I should be called to 
the ministry, and a concern on that account, had 
been at times for several years weightily on 
my mind ; but I now again thought I was mis- 
taken in that belief, and that it was only a pre- 
parative to qualify me for the station of an el- 
der, and thereby my exercise became somewhat 
lighter for a time. The tenderness and love I 
felt to those engaged in public ministry, was 
very great ; and I believe I was made helpful 
to some by giving private hints when and to 
whom I thought there was occasion, in plain- 
ness, simplicity and fear; which often afforded 
instruction to myself as well as to them. 

In 1733, I accompanied friends on another 
visit to families ; wherein at times I felt the 
opening of truth in the love of it, and a few 
words to speak to the states of some, though in 
great fear lest I should put my hand to that 
weighty work without the real requiring of du- 
ty ; and at one family on a morning pretty early, 
being the first we went to on that day, I thought 
it would be better for the whole family in a re- 
ligious sense, if the heads of it were more zeal- 
ous in attending meetings. I saw the necessity 
of being examples to children and servants by 
a careful attendance of meetings for worship on 
the first, and other days of the week ; but I 
was so weak and poor, that I doubted whether 
it was my duty to mention any thing thereof to 
them, so concluded to omit it ; by which I hoped 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 29 

to judge of what I bad been about before, and 
so grew easy in my mind. And as we were on 
the way to the next house, I began to judge that 
I had no real business to have said any thing 
at any house, and having forborne in my own 
will, I was now left to my own judgment for a 
time. At the next house friends were particu- 
larly opened, and tenderly concerned to speak 
to several states, and of several matters which 
I thought instructive; but I sat dry and poor, 
and so remained during our passage to the next 
house, where I fared no better, but worse ; my 
feeling and judgment being quite gone as to the 
service in which we were engaged : and though 
I did not say any thing to the other friends how 
it fared with me, yet they were affected there- 
with as I apprehended. I was in great dark- 
ness and distress, and sometimes thought of 
leaving the company privately and go home ; 
but again concluded that would not only be a 
disappointment to my friends, but dishonour- 
able to Truth ; which made me determine to go 
forward and endure my own pain as much un- 
discovered as possible. My companions, as I 
before observed, were affected; and all save 
one, seemed closed up from doing the service ; 
and in the evening of the same day, at the last 
house all of them were silent. There was a 
school-house near, the master being a friend, 
and the children mostly belonging to friends, 
whom some of our company appeared willing 
to visit ; but others being doubtful, we omitted 
it ; which now some thought was not right, and 
therefore this cloud of darkness and distress 



SO THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

came upon us, and were willing to meet at the 
school-house next morning to try if we could 
recover our former strength in the ownings of 
Truth; which being agreed to, each took our 
way home. It being now night and I alone, 
I rode slow under a deep exercise of mind and 
humble inquiry into the cause of my own dis- 
tress ; and after some time being favoured with 
great calmness and quietude of mind, I was in- 
wardly instructed after this manner: Thou 
sawest what was wanting in a family this morn- 
ing, and would not exhort to more diligence or 
amendment in that respect, and therefore, if 
they continue to do wrong, it shall be required 
of thee. On which I became broken in spirit, 
and cried in secret, may I not perform it yet 
and be restored to thy favour? O Lord ! I am 
now willing to do whatsoever thou requirest of 
me, if thou wilt be pleased to be with me : and 
blessed be his name, in mercy he heard my 
supplication, and I was fully persuaded that I 
must go to the house again, which I concluded 
to do next morning; and went home with a de- 
gree of comfort. And being weary in body and 
mind, slept sweetly, and awoke in the morning 
quiet and easy in spirit ; and now began to con- 
clude that I might meet my company and be 
excused : but my covenant of going was brought 
to my remembrance, and I was given to believe 
that peace was restored on condition of my per- 
formance; therefore I went to the house, though 
several miles distant, before sun-rise. The man 
of the house was up ; he invited me in, and I 
followed him; and sitting down by the fire, be- 
ing cool weather, with my mind retired; I felt 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 31 

that I must not speak before the rest of the fa- 
mily, but rather in private ; yet was fearful of 
calling him out, being unwilling to discover any 
thing to them. In the meantime he went out, 
and walked the way I was to go ; I followed, 
and told him how I felt when we were at his 
house the morning before, and could not be 
easy without exhorting him to be more careful 
in several respects, and a better example to his 
family in his attendance of meetings. He seemed 
affected, and said, he hoped he should mind my 
advice; I then left him, and met my companions 
at the school-house, and enjoyed great peace. 
I leave this remark to excite all to dwell in 
meekness and fear, and to beware of the will of 
the creature and the reasonings of flesh and 
blood, which lead iuto doubting and disobedi- 
ence : they who are faithful in small things, 
shall truly know an increase in that wisdom 
and knowledge which is from above. 

Before we had gone through this visit, I attend- 
ed the quarterly-meeting of ministers and elders 
at Concord ; and as I sat therein the unwearied 
adversary renewed a former charge against me, 
by suggesting to my mind that I might know 
I hail been wrong and under a delusion in en- 
tering a belief! should be called to the work of 
the ministry ; for that all who had ever been 
rightly engaged therein, it was in a cross great- 
ly to the will of the creature, which was not 
my case, for I was willing. This I felt to be 
true, and was therefore now exceedingly dis- 
tressed, not considering that I was made wil- 
ling by the weight of the exercise, which had 
been several years at times very heavy upon 



32 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

me, until it seemed as a fire in my bones ; and 
as though I was dumb with silence, I held my 
peace even from good, and my sorrow was 
stirred, my heart was hot within me ; while I 
was musing the fire burned. Psal. xxxix. 2, 3. 
While under this conflict, a friend stood up 
with these words : Also I heard the voice of the 
Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will 
go for us ? Then said I, here am I, send me. 
Isa. vi. 8. Shewing, that " to them whose will 
was rightly subjected to the Lord, it became 
their meat and drink, to do the will of him, 
who had subjected them by his divine power, 
and influenced their hearts with his love of 
mankind:" by which I was relieved, and 
my spirit humbled and made thankful. Next 
morning being the first day of the week, I went 
to Kennet meeting; and toward the close there- 
of something appeared to my mind to offer, but 
was fearful that the motion for speaking was 
not enough powerful, and had like to have for- 
borne ; but remembering what I had suffered by 
neglecting a weak motion in a family visit, as 
already related, I stood up and spake a few 
sentences in great fear and brokenness of spirit, 
and had solid satisfaction. I attended the 
quarterly- meeting of business at Concord on 
second day ; on my return from whence home, 
I let in the old reasoner, who suggested to me, 
that if I was called to the public ministry, I 
had not waited for a sufficient commission to 
speak ; for some had been raised up with great 
power and authority they could not withstand, 
but that I might have been still and quiet, the 
motion was so gentle and low ; and that I must 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN, 53 

not think to speak in public testimony in great 
meetings with so small a motion ; and in so do- 
ing, I had committed a sin that would not be 
readily forgiven, perhaps a sin agaiust the Ho- 
ly Ghost. My exercise was great ; but as I 
endeavoured to be quiet in my mind, seeking 
to know the Truth of ray present condition, I 
was secretly drawn to follow and attend to 
something that spoke inwardly after this man- 
ner: " If thou wast to take a lad, an entire 
stranger to thy language and business, how- 
ever likely he appeared for service, thou must 
speak loud and distinctly to him : and perhaps 
with an accent or tone that might shew thee to 
be in earnest, to engage his attention and point 
out the business ; but thou wouldst expect it 
should be otherwise with a child brought up in 
thine house, who knew thy language, and with 
whom thou hadst been familiar ; thou would 
expect him to wait by thee and watch thy mo- 
tions, so as to be instructed by thine eye looking 
upon him, or pointing thy finger, and wouldst 
rebuke or correct such a one, if he did. not 
obey thy will on such a small intelligent infor- 
mation." I was instantly relieved thereby, 
and leave my reader to judge from whence this 
intimation came ; believing it would be no crime 
in me to judge it to be from the spirit of Truth, 
that was to lead and s;uide into all Truth. 

When this meeting was over, being in the 
ninth month, 1733, we proceeded to finish our 
family visit ; the part which remained was on 
the west side of Susquehanna, at Bush river, 
and a few families begun to settle near Deer 
creek. We were remarkably favoured with the 



34 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

presence of our great and good master, who 
opened the states of families to us, and gave 
ability to speak thereto ; may his holy name be 
praised. The visit being finished, we returned 
home ; and in a short time after, as I sat in a 
week day meeting, I had a few words fresh 
before me, with a gentle motion to deliver them, 
which I feared to omit, still remembering what 
followed a former neglect : so I expressed what 
was on my mind, and therein had peace, and 
afterwards was silent for several weeks : in 
which time I let in a fear I was forsaken by my 
dear Lord and master, whom I loved above all 
things, for I had no openings in heavenly 
things, as I thought, but was left poor and 
needy ; yet I loved friends, and remembering a 
saying of a minister formerly, We know that 
we have passed from death unto life, because 
we love the brethren, 1 John, iii. 14. I hoped 
that I was not quite forgotten. Some remarkable 
sentences had fixed in my mind sometime be- 
fore, which I now began to understand more 
sensibly; " ministry should be of necessity and 
not of choice, and there is no living by silence 
or by preaching merely." For something in me 
was ready to wish to be employed, that I might 
have bread : for when I found a motion to speak, 
I had the owning love of the heavenly Father; 
which is, and ever will be bread to his chil- 
dren ; the creaturely will would choose and 
would be busy with questioning, is it not, or 
may it not be so and so. This is that womanish 
part which is not permitted to speak in the 
church : it runs first into transgression for want 
of learning of the husband at home, or being in 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 35 

subjection to him ; which if Eve had literally 
done, instead of reasoning with the serpent 
that tempted, she might have been preserved 
from being a tempter. Our strength, preser- 
vation, health, and peace stand in our entire 
subjection to the will of the Lord, whether in 
silence or speaking, suffering, or reigning ; still 
dwelling with the seed, Christ, in our own 
hearts ; humbly waiting for and feeling after 
his power to arise, who is the Resurrection and 
the Life : and when he is pleased to appear his 
children partake in measure of his glory. 

I continued in the station of an elder, and 
sometimes delivered a few senteuces in public 
testimony; which occasioned me to apprehend 
I should not be in my proper place except I re- 
quested to be released from my eldership. Af- 
ter a time of weighty consideration, I modestly 
requested that friends would consider my case ; 
for instead of taking care of the ministrv of 
others, I stood in need of the care of others ; and 
that it would be relieving to my mind if they 
would nominate an elder in my room, which 
was taken into consideration for a time ; friends 
waiting I suppose to see what proof I should 
make of my ministry. I attended the winter 
quarterly-meeting of ministers and elders, and 
had to give an account of the ministry at our 
meeting ; the elders being called to answer one 
after another in order, according to the settle- 
ment of the meetings they belonged to, a fear 
struck me lest a form of words was too much 
in general observed, particularly, " that the 
ministry w r as well received." When my turn 
came, I could not be easy without varying that 



36 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

part; and instead of saying, the ministry of the 
ministers is well received, I said, that I be- 
lieved the ministry of the public friends was 
generally approved of; and added, that I did 
wish, that the ministry of all the ministering 
friends was better received than I conceived it 
was. Whereupon I was asked what I meant ; 
and under the weight I felt on my mind, I re- 
plied, it was not from a thought of bearing hard 
on the service of the public friends, but from the 
difference between approving thereof, because 
they believed it to be right, and attending no 
further, which would not do the work; but to 
put in practice what they heard recommended 
was only well receiving of it ; and if that was 
really the case, our society would appear more 
beautiful than at present; thus the matter closed 
and I had peace in the remark. I think this 
was the last meeting I attended as an elder ; 
before the next quarterly-meeting in the second 
month 1734, another was recommended in my 
place. 

About this time as I sat in one of our own 
meetings, I felt a flow of affection to the people ; 
for many not of our society came there perhaps 
out of curiosity, several young ministers having 
come forth in public testimony ; in which extra- 
ordinary flow of affection, I had a very bright 
opening as I thought, and expected to stand up 
with it very soon ; but being willing to weigh 
it carefully was not very forward, viewing its 
decreasing brightness, until something said as 
it were within me, " is the woe in it," is neces- 
sity laid upon thee, 1 Cor. ix. 16. and there- 
fore woe if thou preach not the gospel. This 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. ST 

put me to a stand and made me feel after the 
living presence of Him in whose name and 
power I desired to speak, if I appeared in tes- 
timony ; and not feeling the pure life and power 
of truth so as to stand up, the brightness of the 
vision faded and left me quiet, humble and 
thankful for this preservation. The drawing 
strength and lusting desire of the unstable, who 
centre not to the pure gift in themselves, are as 
the many waters or sea of mystery Babylon, 
for her merchants to sail their ships and trade 
upon. This was a time of inward growing to 
me; the welfare of the churches was strongly 
desired, and the extendings of the love of the 
Heavenly Father, I felt at times to reach over 
sea and land to my great admiration ; but how- 
ever my heart was enlarged, I believed it was 
my duty to retire inward, and wait with patience 
until my friends should so approve of my mi- 
nistry, as to recommend me as a minister, be- 
fore I made any request to go much abroad, 
though I went to some neighbouring meetings, 
such as I could go to in a morning, and return 
home at night, but not without acquainting some 
elderly friends therewith, and desiring their 
company, which I generally had. 

In the winter 1735-6, William Brown my 
brother-in-law, my sister Dinah Brown (then a 
widoAV,) and myself, were all recommended to 
the meeting of ministers and elders, as minis- 
ters ; and at this meeting I let a certain friend 
know, that for sometime T had a desire to visit 
friends at Newtown, Middletown, Goshen, 
Cain and Bradford meetings ; hoping that he 
would go with me, for without some suitable 

D 



38 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

companion I was not easy to go ; because it would 
be necessary, that notice should be given to an- 
swer the end of a visit, which he also thought 
necessary, and let me know that he would take 
the needful care ; which I supposed was pre- 
viously to inform some friends of each meeting, 
in order that they might acquaint their neigh- 
bours if they had freedom, and I was easy, not 
knowing but he would bear me company. On 
third day I was at the general meeting of wor- 
ship held at Providence, and at the breaking up 
thereof, the friend whom I had spoken to, stood 
up and gave public notice, that 1 intended to sit 
with friends at the meetings aforesaid, and 
named the days in order, and requested friends 
would take proper care to give notice ; at which 
I was exceedingly surprised, and repented that 
I had spoken thereof; I would have gladly 
ran home, but for fear of bringing a reproach, 
and to me it seemed likely it would be the case 
if I pursued the track laid out for me. In 
this strait I was humbled even to weeping ; a 
sympathising experienced friend came to me, 
and spake affectionately, bidding me not to be 
cast down, for it was heard with gladness that 
it was in my heart to visit those meetings, and 
that if I lived and did well, I must meet with 
greater trials. I suppose friends of those meet- 
ings knew more of me than I expected, for I had 
carefully attended meetings of discipline several 
years, and had been sometimes active therein ; 
the meetings were generally pretty full, and I 
believe truth owned my service, which was to 
me great cause of thankfulness. In this little 
journey friends were very kind to me, and I 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 59 

was afraid too free in manifesting of it ; indeed 
there are many indulgent nurses, many forward 
instructors, but too few fathers in the church, 
who having been acquainted with Him the great 
Alpha in their tender beginning, and by dwel- 
ling in his holy counsel and fear, have the care 
of the members at heart ; and in the wisdom of 
truth know how to instruct, advise and conduct 
themselves towards such who are called to the 
Lord's work according to their several disposi- 
tions, growths, and gifts received ; in order that 
they might be preserved growing in and by him, 
the Alpha, experiencing him, their beginning 
to be with them, and to be the Omega in their 
conclusion ; the first and the last, all in all, the 
Lord God over all, blessed in himself and the 
Son of his love, our holy high Priest and In- 
structor. For want of proper caution herein, 
some have valued themselves above what they 
ought, and thereby reduced their credit with 
others. 

In the summer following I felt a secret gen- 
tle draft to visit the meetings in the back parts 
of Chester, Philadelphia and Bucks Counties ; 
which continuing with me, and my brother-in- 
law William Brown having the like concern, 
we acquainted friends at our monthly-meeting, 
late in the fall of the year, and had their con- 
currence, and I believe thtlv good wishes for 
us. So in the tenth month 1736, we proceeded, 
and went to Goshen, Radnor, and to a general 
meeting at Haverford, and to an evening meet- 
ing at a school- house in Upper Merion, and over 
Schuylkill to Plymouth ; we had good satis- 
faction mostly. I could see that my brother 



THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

grew in his gift, and after one of the meetings 
a well-meaning friend told me that I was a seer, 
and knew the states of people better than they 
could inform me; at which I felt some se- 
cret pleasure, yet not without, as I thought, a 
humble fear, knowing that flattery or unguard- 
ed commendation, if listened to, is a kind of poi- 
son to young ministers, and sometimes makes 
them swell beyond the proper size. At Ply- 
mouth, I had an open meeting ; and it seemed 
to me, as if what I had to say was received freely 
by the people ; and after meeting I was filled 
with joy to such a degree, that I wept, and drop- 
ped behind my company, to keep undiscover- 
ed, in our going to a friends house, and inward- 
ly prayed that it might be taken from me, for I 
feared that by the natural part in me, it was 
taken to excess. Next day we had a small 
meeting in Job Pugh's house, where I thought 
I saw the states of particulars very clear, and 
had something to say, which perhaps I deliver- 
ed in too strong terms, considering my age and 
experience in the ministry. A becoming fear 
and modesty in expression is very ornamental 
and safe for ministers, both young and old. 
After meeting, we went home with Evan Evans 
to North Wales, who conversed but little with 
us, but was grave and solid, and therein a good 
example to me ; for sometimes young ministers 
hurt themselves by too much talking, and draw 
from others of like freedom, things not conve- 
nient for them to hear. The next day we were 
at North Wales meeting, which was large, be- 
ing first day ; my brother W. B. appeared in 
*he forepart and had good service, afterwards I 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 41 

stood up with a large ant! good opening as t 
thought, but found hard work and soon sat 
down again without much relief : which being 
a little unusual, I ventured to stand up again, 
and with a zeal that exceeded my childish 
knowledge, laid on some strokes with the 
strength of the man's part more than with the 
humbling power of truth ; for if we deliver hard 
things to the people, we should ever remember 
that we are flesh and blood, and by nature sub- 
ject to the same frailties ; this would lead us 
closely to attend to the power, and to minister 
only in the ability of truth, in the meekness 
gentleness and wisdom which it inspires. I 
soon sat down again, and in a moment felt my- 
self left in great darkness, and friends broke up 
the meeting in a minute or two after ; which I 
soon thought was rather unkind, as it seemed 
to shew a public dislike, when a private admo- 
nition which I believed was my due, would have 
answered the end better. But when I knew 
they held an afternoon meetiug, I judged that 
I had infringed on the time, and the weight of 
the trial settled still deeper on my mind. In 
the afternoon I sat silent, and was very much 
dejected, and my good friend Evan Evans, an 
experienced minister and father in the church, 
bid me be steadv and inward, looking to the 
Lord who knew how to deal with his children, 
and gently correct, as well when they went too 
fast, as too slow. This fatherly tender hint 
fully opened my eyes ; for before I was in some 
doubt wherein I had missed : I now believed 
he saw I was too zealous and forward, and be- 
lieved also that he had the judgment of Truth j 

d3 



4 > THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

this was enough for me ; I abhorred myself, 
and was in great fear that I should not be for- 
given. Another friend told me that I only felt 
an opposing spirit in some, whose states had 
been remarkably spoken to by me, and desired 
me not to be too much cast down, for I had the 
mind of Truth. This, instead of relieving, ra- 
ther added to my affliction, for I saw it would 
have a tendency, if heeded, to take me from 
under the hand of the Lord, which was heavy 
upon me ; and something in me said, " Let 
(rod be true and every man a liar, keep to the 
witness in thine own heart, attend to the Spirit 
of Truth there, and mind its reproof." Man 
through natural affection and sympathy may 
err, and administer false instruction, but the 
other proceeds from the God of Truth. I would 
have given all that I had to have been at home, 
for I greatly feared that I should bring a re- 
proach on the truth, the honour whereof was 
dear to me. I hid my distress as much as pos- 
sible, and proceeded to attend meetings with 
my brother, whom I greatly preferred, and was 
afraid to discourage by my complaints. 

We were at a meeting at Skippack, and at ano- 
ther at Perkioming or New Providence, in each 
whereof I had so much light and understanding 
as to offer a few words, but the service lay 
chiefly on my brother. From thence we went 
to Oley, where I had a few things to deliver 
in a friend's house in an evening sitting with 
his family, which was large; the friend in great 
tenderness observed afterward, that revelation 
was not ceased, for their states were very ex- 
actly spoken to j at which I marvelled, for I was 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 43 

greatly reduced, and thought myself one of the 
poorest and most unqualified that ever travelled 
In that great service in winch we were now en- 
gaged. This dispensation, though sorrowful to 
wade through, was very humbling and profita- 
ble for me, who perhaps but a little before was 
ready to think I knew something about preach- 
ing, but now knew nothing ; that I might more 
fully understand that he who thinketh of him- 
self " he knoweth any thing, knoweth nothing 
as he ought to know :" to wit, that all pure 
knowledge is sealed up in Him who is the 
fountain of wisdom and knowledge ; to be only 
opened by himself to his dependent children, 
by the revelation of his own Spirit when and 
to whom he pleases. 

From hence we went to Maiden Creek, and 
to Richland in Bucks County, being still low 
in my mind, yet favoured for a few minutes in 
meetings, in which I had a few sentences, and 
then was closed up again. I was like one who 
having learned a few things or rules in literal 
knowledge, was again turned back to his be- 
ginning. 

From thence we went to Plumstead in Bucks 
County. Here I was rather more enlarged ; 
and to Buckingham, Wrights town, Falls, Mid- 
dletown, Bristol, and over on the ice to Bur- 
lington in New Jersey, the weather being ex- 
ceeding cold ; and came back again on the ice 
over Delaware the same evening to Bristol, and 
thence proceeded to By berry and Horsham 
meetings : and by this time I was relieved from 
the depression of spirit I felt before, yet was 
under a humble reverent fear ; not forgetting the 



44 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

meeting at North Wales. I was in some de- 
gree again admitted to behold the lifting up of the 
Heavenly Father's countenance, which makes 
the solitary rejoice. From Horsham we went 
to a meeting appointed at William Hallowell's ; 
the company of the man who undertook to 
shew us the way not being agreeable, we per- 
suaded hi in to return; and so were left not know- 
ing the way to the house, which made me very 
thoughtful, lest we should miss our way, and 
friends would then be blamed for neglect of 
duty towards us. As I was thus pondering in 
my mind, a faith arose that providence could 
direct ; and that moment I beheld the track of 
a mau who had crossed the road we were in, 
and felt a sudden turn of mind to follow the 
same, which made me quite easy: it brought 
us to a field, where we found the fence down 
on both sides, and led to the house where friends 
were gathered, and we were not discovered to 
be without a guide ; for which I was thankful, 
believing it to be the secret direction of kind 
providence, and not barely chance. I relate 
this with a view to excite such who may meet 
with difficulties, to rely on him alone who can 
shew the way, and give faith to follow : but 
man must be humble and quiet in mind, to un- 
derstand the inward gentle sense that Truth 
favours with ; this small gathering was owned 
in a good degree with the Divine presence. 

From thence we passed to Abington and 
Frankfort meetings, and to Philadelphia ; and 
after visiting; those meetings we turned to Ger- 
mantown, and so over Schuylkill to Merion 
meeting, where we met our worthy friend John 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 45 

"Fothergill, who had great and good service 
therein, with whom my brother W. B. returned 
to Philadelphia to the quarterly -meeting, which 
began next day; and while he was absent from 
me I attended Springfield and Newtown meet- 
ings. When he again came to me, we attended 
some other meetings until our quarterly -meet- 
ing began, at which was our friend John Cad- 
walader from Horsham, who had good service ; 
after which I returned home and was glad to 
sit with friends in our own meeting, wherein I 
did not see it was my place to say much, but by 
example to recommend silence. 

Early this spring, 1737* the Lord was 
pleased to try me with poverty and inward 
want, which brought me into great searchings 
of heart, and secret inquiry into the cause ; but 
could not understand that I had wilfully dis- 
obeyed, neither stood convicted in my mind for 
doing amiss : but my poverty and inward w r ant 
increased, with distress and doubting to that 
degree that I began to fear I had mistaken, and 
took error for Truth, and in my ow r n imagina- 
tion formed a religion, and for the rebellion of 
my youth was suffered to go on until now ; and 
all that ever I had done was brought into judg- 
ment and reduced to nothing ; and the enemy 
endeavoured to stir me up to impatience, and 
to persuade me that my transgressions would 
never be forgiven. Many days of sorrow and 
nights of sore distress I passed through, and 
began to despair of ever again beholding the 
Light of the Heavenly countenance lifted up to- 
wards me again. 

Towards the last of the third month 1 went 



46 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

to Sadsbury,to settle a dispute about the bounds 
of land; and having something to do near Sa- 
muel Nutt's iron-works on French creek ; as I 
was going thither, being alone, and my inward 
sorrow and distress very great, I thought I 
would now endeavour to vent it, were it but in 
mournful groans ; and drawing in my breath in 
order to vent it in a groan, my inward anguish 
seemed to burn like fire, and I was instantly 
staid from breaking forth ; for I was persuaded 
my passion of grief, if given way unto, would 
go beyond bounds, to the tearing of my clothes, 
if no further. My heart not being tender, I 
could not weep, which brought me to a more 
calm pause than I had known for some time ; 
and therein was ready to say, can the good hand 
be still near to stav me. O ! that I mav have 
patience given, and resolution strengthened, to 
continue seeking, and if at last I should perish, 
that it may be at his footstool. For a small 
space I had some hope of beholding again him 
whom my soul once loved above all things ; but 
in a few miles riding it began to look pleasant 
to me to go into some remote place where I 
should not be known. When reflecting thus — 
what ! abandon mine acquaintance ! violate my 
marriage covenant, and leave my nearest con- 
nections ! I suddenly knew this prospect of 
pleasure was from the evil one, and something 
in me abhorred it as wicked, and as it were 
closed my eyes therefrom. So that evening I 
went to the house of a former intimate acquaint- 
ance to lodge, who received me kindly, and in 
the evening brought a book containing some 
astronomical problems, and began to converse 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 47 

very freely thereon, supposing it would be 
pleasant to me as aforetime : but I wfes heavy 
in my spirit, and inwardly thoughtful about 
something of another nature ; and he soon per- 
ceiving his conversation on that subject was dis- 
agreealjle, proposed my going to bed as fittest 
for a weary man, judging that to be my present 
ailment ; I was glad of the offer, and immedi- 
ately accepted thereof. I saw now clearly, that 
when my mind was turned from delighting in 
that wherein our former friendship consisted, 
my company was rather unpleasant to him. I 
soon left his house in the morning, dispatched 
my business, and returned home with as much 
speed as I could, without the least inclination 
to go elsewhere. I believe my prayer was 
heard ; for I had patience granted to me: I 
say granted, because no man can endue himself 
therewith, and I think my distress gradually 
abated after the time aforementioned. 

When one has fasted, and suffered the want 
of natural food for a long season, men of pru- 
dence will portion out the food they give to 
such with care, that strength may be increased 
and the constitution preserved healthful and 
sound. The Lord, whose love and care to his 
children doth far exceed that of any natural pa- 
rent to his offspring, dealt with me in his ten- 
der mercy; giving at times, by the gentle 
touches of his love, to feel that he had not for- 
saken me, which in a few minutes would be 
again withdrawn ; but though of short continu- 
ance, was sufficient for me to own it was worth 
all my sorrowful longing for; and hereby he 
was pleased to let me experimentally know 



48 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

the value of heavenly bread by the want of it. 
Having food and raiment, I was now taught to 
be therewith content. The renewing of hea- 
venly favour, and the covering of the Holy 
Spirit, so as to be admitted to stand before him 
in humble reverence with gracious acceptance, 
was all my soul craved. I neither wanted this 
man's gift, nor the other man's popularity and 
eloquence, but to be in mercy admitted into the 
number of his family, and occupying mine own 
gift to his honour alone that gave it. When 
Peter was examined by his Lord whom he had 
denied through fear, " Lovest thou me more 
than these?" the third time answered, "Thou 
knowest all things, thou knowest that I love 
thee." He did not answer the question in its 
full extent, viz. more than these with respect to 
the rest of the disciples who had not denied 
their Lord and Master, as Peter had done, w r ho 
was nevertheless looked upon with forgiving 
compassion, and therefore had need to love in 
proportion. Perhaps his honest confession and 
appeal to his master's knowledge might shorten 
his answer: his threefold charge of feeding 
the sheep and lambs of his Lord, was necessa- 
ry to gain his diligent attention to the work of 
him whom he had three times denied : he to 
whom much is forgiven, loveth much if he is 
not ungrateful. No marvel that I met with 
this trial of my love and affection, who so often, 
not through fear, but the desire of indulging 
my creaturely will, had denied, or neglected 
to follow my Lord and Master, who had so 
early made me acquainted with his will, and 
who now had passed by mine offences, and cal- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 49 

led me to work in his vineyard. Now I was 
made thankful for favours which before had 
scarcely been owned as such : for to be pre-, 
served inwardly watchful, and quietly resigned, 
to wait upon the Lord, though we partake not 
of immediate consolation by the renewing of 
life, is a great blessing, for which we ought to 
be thankful, as we cannot stay our own minds, 
nor curb our thoughts : and I did believe that 
labour was healthful, created an appetite and 
sweetened the relish of rest and food in a spi- 
ritual as well as natural sense ; and therefore I 
wanted not to eat the bread of idleness and live 
on the labour of others. 

After this trial, which continued most of the 
summer, I was much favoured with the incomes 
of divine love and life ; and in the winter fol- 
lowing, visited most of the meetings in Chester 
county, and some few in Philadelphia county. 
The weather was very cold, being about the 
middle of the tenth month when I set out, and 
in my journey went to visit a worthy friend who 
was indisposed, and lodged at his house ; and 
as we sat together in the evening, he asked ma. 
why I chose the winter season to visit my 
friends in, for many infirm folks could hardly 
attend meetings, and said he was sometimes 
ready to query, whether public friends do not 
take that time to serve their master, because 
they could do but little for themselves. I was 
thoughtful and low in my mind before, and had 
some reasoning whether it had not been better 
that I had staid at home than ventured out on 
the service at that time of the year. Though I 
thought I had an engagement sufficient when I 

E 



50 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

set out: this query of his made me more 
thoughtful, and added to my reasoning ; but I 
soon recovered strength, and it came fresh in 
my mind to ask him whether friends could eat 
to supply and sustain their bodies in the sum- 
mer, and partake also of spiritual food for their 
souls in that season, so as not to labour in the 
winter and care for the sustenance of their bo- 
dies, or assemble and attend meetings to wor- 
ship and wait upon God for spiritual food for 
their souls ? He acknowledged I had by this 
query satisfied him to the full, and said he was 
glad of my visit, and hoped his talking as he did 
would not discourage me, for I believe he saw 
it brought a damp over me at first. This an- 
swer I believe was given to me for mine own 
help, and was encouragement to me through 
this journey ; in which I had most of the time 
Joshua Johnson, of London-Grove, for a compa- 
nion, who was very agreeable, and in my re- 
turn home I felt great peace. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 51 



CHAP. IL 

Hts journey with Robert Jordan to the western part 
of Maryland in the year 1733. Also to the Quar- 
terly-meeting at Shrewsbury in New Jersey — 
And with John Hunt through that Province — His 
visit to the Eastern-shore of Maryland — His 
journey to Fairfax and Hopewell in Virginia, in 
company with a committee of Friends — and a se- 
cond time to the Eastern-shore of Maryland with 
John Cadwalader, and his companion — And his 
visit to New England in company with Samuel 
Hop wood, in 1742. 

In the summer following I went with Robert 
Jordan to West-river yearly-meeting in Mary- 
land, and we visited most of the meetings of 
friends in that province, and his company was 
profitably instructive to me who was but young 
in the ministry. I think I knew him well ; 
he had a good gift of the ministry, and was 
highly favoured in the living openings of 
Truth, but was often low in mind and very 
humble in spirit. One time as we were riding 
together, he lagged behind for several miles. 
I asked him why he rode so slow, he made no 
reply, whereupon I stopt until he came up, his 
countenance was solid, and looked as if he had 
been weeping. I asked what ailed him ; after 
some time he told me, that he had been think- 
ing of the great favous which man partook of, 
particularly in being placed over the beasts of 
the field, and how easily they were broke, and 
made subject to his will : what a small turn 
with the bridle would put them to the right 



S THE LIFE ASD TRAVELS 

Land or the left, and on a gentle motion would 
amend or slacken their pace, at the will or plea- 
sure of the rider : and that man, the most noble 
and intelligent creature, should so far neglect 
the duty of a willing subjection to his Maker, 
who so highly has favoured him with temporal 
blessings, and the knowledge of heavenly 
things. I had been at that meeting about three 
years before, having had some business to do 
for a friend of mine on the Eastern-shore of 
Chesapeake, and crossed over the bay to the 
Western. shore, and was at the yearly-meeting: 
and being grieved at the conduct of some of the 
elders, whose age, if they had kept to the Truth 
and had been zealous for the honour thereof, 
would have made them better examples ; I 
spoke my mind plainly to them, but not with- 
out proper caution, as I thought, both with re- 
spect to my youth and their age : but some 
seemed a little warmed thereby, and asked for 
my certificate, if I had any. I honestly told 
them, the principal business that brought me 
from home was temporal, which having accom- 
modated, I thought I might attend that meeting 
without offence, if I did not misbehave myself. 
William Richardson desired friends to con- 
sider what I had said, for he believed, if they 
did, they would perceive the young man had a 
certificate with him, that might answer for one 
of a neighbouring province to attend such a 
meeting. 

It may not be unseasonable to relate, that in 
the year 1736, one night as I lay in bed, my 
mind was uncommonly affected with the in- 
comes of divine love and life ; and therein T 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. ffi 

had a view of the churches in New Jersey, 
with a clear prospect that I should visit them ; 
and in that prospect and the strength of affec- 
tion which I then felt, I said in my heart it is 
enough. I will prepare for the journey as 
soon as I can hear of a suitable companion, for 
I do not expect that I shall have a clearer sight 
than I now have. I soon heard of a friend 
who had a visit to New Jersey before him, I 
spoke to him about my concern, he let me 
know that he knew of a companion, and they 
had agreed upon a time to proceed. After I 
had mentioned it to him and some other friends, 
my concern seemed to die away ; but I re- 
membered the resolution that I took up, and 
that I then thought I would not look to be bid- 
den again, and was fearful something had 
drawn my mind from the proper attention to 
that opening, which was the reason it seemed 
to go off : but the more I strove to look after 
it, the duller it grew. I then sorely repented 
that I had spoken about it, and thought it 
should be a warning to me in future : for I be- 
gan to see there was a difference between see- 
ing what was to be done, and being bidden to 
do the thing shewn. Besides this, I had to 
consider there was a time to bud, a time to 
blossom, a time for fruit to set and appear, and 
a time for it to ripen. 

And in the forepart of the winter, 1738, I 
thought it seemed to revive ; and when I saw 
John Hunt a friend from England, I believed I 
should go with him when he went through 
New Jersey, and told him what I thought ; at 
which he rejoiced, for we were nearly united. 



54 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

So we appointed a time to meet at Philadel- 
phia ; and when we had so far concluded, be- 
ing about six weeks beforehand, my concern, 
as I thought, soon withered away, and I began 
to be in great fear that I had been again too 
forward therein ; but after some time of hum- 
bling exercise on that account, the Lord, whom 
I feared, from the love with which he was 
pleased to enrich my heart, gave me to remem- 
ber, that when I made the appointment with 
my friend, it was in his fear and great abase- 
ment of self: and as I had seen clearly to 
make the appointment, it was my place to at- 
tend in humble reliance on him for ability to 
perform the embassy : for the Lord who call- 
eth and sendeth forth his own, will also pro- 
vide all things convenient for them. 

When the time came, I set forward very 
poor and needy, which continued until we en- 
tered our service. We took a few meetings be- 
fore our general spring meeting ; and after at- 
tending that, we went to Woodberry, Piles- 
grove, Salem, Alloways-creek, Cohansie, and 
so to Cape-may, and had some close work, but 
in the main satisfactory to ourselves at least. 
After having several meetings at and near the 
Capes, we went to Great-Egg-harbour and had 
a meeting there, and another at the house of 
our friend Japhet Leeds, and so over the 
Marshes to Little-Egg-harbour river, and had 
two meetings with friends ; in one of which I 
stood up with a large opening as I thought, 
but after a short introduction it closed up, and 
I sat down again, which was some mortification 
to me as a man, though very profitable : being 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 55 

thereby taught to know, that he that would 
speak as the oracle of God, must, under the 
gentle burden of the word, in humble fear wait 
for wisdom, utterance, and ability to perforin 
the service, to the edification of the church and 
his own inward peace : and not to look after 
large and specious openings, sometimes desira- 
ble to the creaturely part, both in ourselves 
and others, which must suffer famine. 

At one of the meetings in these parts, coming 
very early, a friend belonging thereto invited us 
to go to his house not far off, and he would put 
up our horses to hay during the time of the 
meeting; saying that we must go to his house to 
dine. But I felt a stop in my mind, and told 
him that our horses could stand very well there 
until after meeting. It so fell out that neither 
of us said any thing in the meeting, which ne- 
vertheless was to us satisfactory ; for we had a 
sense that the people had been fed with words, 
and had a hunger thereatter more than for the 
instruction of the pure word of Power and Life, 
nigh in the heart and mouth, that they might not 
only hear it but be found doers thereof. After 
the meeting no one asked us to dine, but went 
away and left us; and had it not been for the 
care of our kind guide that came from the meet- 
ing we were last at, we should have been at a 
loss to have got forward. I mention this to 
show how unacceptable silence is to such whose 
tars itch after words. 

From hence we went through the desert to 
Upper Springfield, where we had a satisfactory 
meeting: then taking the meetings northward 
to Stonybrook and Trenton, we returned to 



56 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

Bordentown, and so crossed Delaware. Some 
of the meetings were large and very satisfactory, 
under the owning of Truth, the power whereof 
was in dominion, and the name of the Lord 
praised, who is worthy for ever : and some were 
remarkably close and hard; which made me re- 
member a saying of that experienced minister 
and elder John Fothergill, that, " When he was 
first in this country, he had some extraordinary 
meetings hereaway, the people being industrious 
in a natural as well as spiritual sense ; some of 
whomw^re now removed, and their children pos- 
sessed the temporal estates of their fathers ; and 
though their outward habitations looked spa- 
cious, their meetings for worship were dull and 
heavy, by reason of a worldly spirit, and their 
indifference about heavenly treasure." One 
meeting which we Mere at was remarkably 
hard; my companion J. H. was exceedingly 
exercised, under a sense that the people were 
too rich, full, and whole in their own eyes. 
He sat the meeting through and suffered in si- 
lence, but L had something to say very close and 
particular, and felt a degree of the strength and 
power of Truth, to clear myself in an innocent 
and loving manner ; and remembering they were 
brethren, did not preach myself out of charity 
towards them, and so had peace. We went 
home with an elderly friend, who in a stern 
manner asked me from whence I came, and said 
I was a stranger to him ; I answered him with 
a cheerful boldness. He asked me what my 
calling was ; I told him husbandry. He fur- 
ther queried if I was used to splitting of wood, 
I let him know I had practised it for many years. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 57 

He again asked me if I knew the meaning of a 
common saying of those who were used to that 
business; " *Tis soft knocks must enter hard 
blocks." I told him I knew it well; but there 
was some old wood that was rather decayed at 
heart, and to strike with a soft or gentle blow 
at a wedge in such blocks, would drive it to the 
head without renting them, and the labour would 
be lost, when a few smart lively strokes would 
burst them asunder ; whereupon he laid his hand 
on my shoulder, saying, " Well my lad, 1 per- 
ceive thou art born for a warrior, and I commend 
thee." And thus we came off better than we 
expected, for I thought he pointed at my service 
that day. He was ever afterward very loving 
to me, and I was inwardly thankful that the 
Lord was near to me, for which I praise his sa- 
cred name. To be becomingly bold in the cause 
of Truth, at times is particularly necessary ; 
otherwise the weight of the testimony thereof 
would be lessened, and a carping spirit set over 
it. 

From Bordentown we went to Plumstead in 
Bucks county, and on a first day had a pretty 
good meeting; and to a monthly-meeting at 
Buckingham, then to Wrightstown, the Falls, 
and Middletown, which meetings were in a good 
degree satisfactory, the reaches of the power of 
Truth being felt to extend, for which we were 
thankful : though in some of them there is too 
great a want of faithful members to put the dis- 
cipline in practice against those that were dis^ 
orderly, and thereby brought a reproach on the 
Truth. We then went to Philadelphia, and 



58 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

next day to Chester, from whence I went home 
the same day. 

In the fall of the year 1740, I had some 
drawings in my mind to attend the quarterly- 
meeting at Shrewsbury, and was at several 
meetings on my way thither ; at one of which a 
friend appeared, who I thought had good ser- 
vice in the forepart of his testimony, but as 
Truth did not rise into dominion so high as he 
expected, perhaps in too much zeal and crea- 
turely warmth, he laid on a little too fast, and 
continued until the life rather abated, and some 
tender minds hurt : for it often happens that 
such to whom hard things belong, will put them 
off, and those who are more tender and least 
deserving of such doctrine, will take it to them- 
selves to their own hurt. O ! how careful mi- 
nisters ought to be, whilst they are in their ser- 
vice, that they may be favoured with an inward 
feeling sense of the states to which they minis- 
ter, and be influenced with wisdom from above 
to divide the Word aright, in meekness, gentle- 
ness, and holy fear ; then Truth will have its 
own weight, authority, and power. After the 
friend sat down, it became the concern of ano- 
ther, in a few words, as it were to number the 
slain, and search for the wounded, and set close 
and hard things where they belonged, by de- 
scribing their several dispositions in choosing 
and refusing to take hard things. Afterwards 
being in company with the friend above hinted, 
and he being down in his mind and perhaps not 
fully knowing the cause, asked me what I 
thought of the meeting, to which I was not for- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 59 

ward to answer ; he said, tell me what I have 
done this day ? Whereupon I asked him pri- 
vately and in a pleasant manner, what Gideon 
did to the men of Succoth? Judg. viii. 16. at 
which he was greatly humbled, fully under- 
standing what I meant, and did not in the least 
resent the hint ; which I thought was truly great 
in him, and very becoming a minister; for if 
we would instruct others, we should be exem- 
plary in taking instruction ourselves when ne- 
cessary. 

On my way falling in company with Robert 
Jordan, we had a freedom to propose a meeting 
to the Anabaptists at Middletown, to which 
they readily consented ; and we had a profitable 
opportunity with them in their meeting-house, 
and on the same evening a meeting at the house 
of Hugh Hartshorne, to which several baptists 
came. This was a time of favour, and I hope 
of service : it was concluded by It. J. in so- 
lemn prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord, 
who is worthy forever and ever. Just as the 
meeting broke up, I felt myself poor and in- 
wardly weak, to as great a degree as ever I 
had done, and looking towards my said friend 
I saw he was in the same condition, for it seem- 
ed as if we had hardly strength to stand ; but 
a query of our dear Lord's came suddenly into 
my mind and ministered relief, viz. Who hath 
touched me ? Whereupon leaning toward my 
companion, I repeated it to him, being my be- 
lief that it was as much for his help as my own. 
He understood the meaning instantly without 
further explanation, and was thereby also re- 
lieved. Perhaps some who may hereafter pe- 



60 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

ruse these lines, may think this is too bold for 
a mortal man to mention ; but having by a de- 
gree of experience known, that when the heal- 
ing virtue of Truth from the holy Physician of 
souls, has flowed through an humble servant, 
to the relief of some of the infirm and poor 
amongst the people, who have followed physi- 
cians of no value, and spent all their living 
thereby, and no cure wrought; notwithstand- 
ing virtue has gone through them as instru- 
ments or conduits, they have felt inwardly weak 
for a time ; that in humble abasement of soul 
they might be taught to acknowledge, that the 
kingdom, power, and glory doth belong to him 
alone, who is God over all blessed forever and 
ever. 

From thence we went to William Harts- 
horne's at Sandy-hook, and so to the quarterly- 
meeting at Shrewsbury, which was large in the 
several sittings, in which was felt the power of 
Truth in a good degree ; but many loose and 
rude people of the neighbourhood and parts ad- 
jacent coming together at such times to drink, 
carouse, and ride races, are very hurtful to each 
other and disturbing to friends. Then going 
homeward I had several meetings on the way, 
and enjoyed great inward peace, and could 
therefore rejoice and ascribe the praise to the 
Lord, who had called and enabled me to per- 
form this service. 

Having a concern on my mind to visit the 
meetings of friends on the Eastern-shore in Ma- 
ryland, I laid it before our monthly-meeting and 
obtained a certificate in the tenth month ; my 
brother-in-law James Brown bearing me com- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 61 

pany ; and we were at Cecil monthly-meeting 
held at Chester in the eleventh month. Be- 
fore meeting a friend informed me that he 
thought it would be best for me to cross Ches- 
ter river, and go directly Southward ; I told 
him it might be so, but I could say little to it 
at present; but some friends consulting about 
it, and one being there who lived near the meet- 
ing-house in Queen Ann's county, they thought 
he could give notice on first day to several 
meetings ; so a friend ventured to speak pub- 
licly thereof at the close of the meeting for wor- 
ship, without letting me know what he intend- 
ed to do. I had been uncommonly distressed 
as I sat in the meeting, from an apprehension 
that but few of the friends belonging to that 
particular meeting were there, and when he 
published where it was proposed I should be 
the ensuing week, I felt my mind opened and 
turned another way, and stood up and told 
friends, that I did believe they thought it most 
for my ease to lay out the meetings after that 
manner, but if friends at that particular meeting 
would favour me so far as to meet there next 
day, I should be glad to sit with them, provid- 
ed they would please to let other friends and 
neighbours who were absent know of it ; for if 
I had a right sense, there were several members 
not present, and I should be willing to be at 
Cecil meeting on first day, and Sassafras on se- 
cond day ; which was directly back, and there- 
fore told them it seemed easiest to my mind, 
though it would occasion more riding. This 
being agreed to, we had a much larger meeting 
next day ; for many before were absent as I had 



62 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

thought, and I had a fall opportunity to dis- 
charge myself toward the hike- warm and indif- 
ferent, and disorderly walkers, and had peace. 
I visited several families on seventh day to 
good satisfaction, and was at Cecil meeting on 
first day, and the next day at Sassafras, and 
had to believe it was by the secret direction of 
the good Shepherd, who never faileth his de- 
pendent children, that I was turned this way; 
for he was pleased to own my service in these 
meetings by his presence in a good degree to 
the praise of his own name, which is worthy 
forever. From thence we passed over the head 
of Chester by the bridge, John Browning, a 
friend from Sassafras, going with us as a guide ; 
who some time before had been convinced of 
the blessed Truth, by the inward operation of 
the holy spirit without any instrumental means. 
He had been a member of the church of Eng- 
land so called, and for his sobriety was chosen 
a Vestryman ; but after a time felt a scruple in 
his mind about taking off his hat, when he en- 
tered the Church-yard so called, fearing it was 
a superstitious adoration of the ground, from its 
supposed holiness ; but would take it off when 
he entered the worship house, and walk unco- 
vered to his pew ; but after a time could not un- 
cover his head, till what they call divine ser- 
vice began ; which, as he kept inwardly atten- 
tive to the scruple in his mind, became very 
lifeless to him, who was inwardly seeking for 
substance and life ; and therefore withdrew 
therefrom : and after some time went to one of 
our meetings, rather out of curiosity than ex- 
pecting any good ; but felt himself owned, and 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 63 

had a taste of the peace which the world can- 
not give ; and from that time became a constant 
attender of our meetings. 

We had a meeting at Queen Ann's amongst 
a people, who, for want of keeping to the life 
of religion, had almost lost the form. In con- 
versation at a certain house in the evening, I 
asked a friend, whether she was a friend's child 
or one convinced of our principles ; her reply 
was, that when she was young, she lived at a 
friend's house, and took a notion of going to 
meeting with them, which she had done ever 
since. Alas ! when notion changes the will, 
and not that faith which works by love to the 
purifying of the heart, the religion is without 
reformation, empty and dead. From thence we 
went to Tuckaho meeting, and the weather be- 
ing very cold and rivers frozen up, several mas- 
ters of vessels and sailors came there and divers 
others, people of fashion with gay cloathing. 
In the fore part of the meeting there was an ap- 
pearance made which grieved me, for my heart 
yearned towards the people. The words that 
he began with were*, " Wo, wo, to the crown 
of pride and drunkards of Ephraim;" and with 
very little application sat down. It appeared 
to me as if the appearance of gaiety had fired 
the creaturely zeal, which was the chief motion 
to this short sermon. This with the cold wind 
blowing in at the door, much unsettled the 
meeting, it being at the time when that remark- 
able snow fell which laid so long in deep drifts 
this winter. Whereupon I desired the door 
might be shut, which being done, the house be- 
came more comfortable, and the meeting settled, 



64 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

and I stood up with an heart filled with affec- 
tion, having that passage of scripture before me, 
in which the apostle Peter declared the univer- 
sality of the love of God, " I perceive of a 
Truth that God is no respecter of persons, &c." 
and was much enlarged thereon to my own ad- 
miration, and I believe satisfaction of the peo- 
ple. The meeting ended sweetly with thanks- 
giving and prayer to the Lord for the continu- 
ance of his mercy, who is the alone author of 
all good, and worthy of adoration and worship 
forever. After which we attended the several 
neighbouring meetings, through very severe 
cold weather ; and the houses being very open 
and unprovided with the means of keeping them 
warm, of which there is too manifest a neglect 
in those parts, they were uncomfortable and un- 
settled. In this journey my companion appear- 
ed in a few words in several families and meet- 
ings : we reached home just before our quar- 
terly-meeting in the twelfth month. 

In this journey, travelling in Talbot county, 
an elderly man asked us if we saw some posts 
standing, pointing to them; and added : the first 
meeting George Fox had on this side of Chesa- 
peake Bay, was held in a tobacco house there 
which was then new ; the posts that were stand- 
ing were made of walnut ; at which John Brown- 
ing above-mentioned rode to them, and sat 
on his horse very still and quiet : then return- 
ing to us again with more speed than he went, 
I asked him what he saw amongst those old 
posts, he answered, " I would not have missed 
of what I saw for five pounds, for I saw the 
root and grouuds of idolatry : before I went I 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 65 

thought perhaps I might have felt some secret 
virtue in the place where George Fox had stood 
and preached, whom I believe to have been a 
good man ; but whilst I stood there, I was se- 
cretly informed, that if George was a good man, 
he was in Heaven and not there, and virtue is 
not to be communicated by dead things, whe- 
ther posts, earth, or curious pictures, but by the 
power of God who is the fountain of living vir- 
tue." A lesson, which if rightly learned, would 
wean from the worship of images and adoration 
of relics. 

I was not many miles from home this summer, 
save to attend our own quarterly and yearly- 
meetings ; but in the fall, having some drawings 
in my mind to visit friends in the new settlement 
in Virginia, I went with a committee of the quar- 
terly-meeting, appointed to inspect whether 
friends at Fairfax were in number and weight 
sufficient to have a meeting settled amongst them 
to the reputation of truth ; and we visited all 
the families of friends there, and had a meeting 
among them to satisfaction : from thence we 
went to a place called Providence or Tuskarora, 
from whence Mordecai Yarnall who was one of 
the number went home, having heard that his 
wife was dead or likely to die. We had a meet- 
ing with the friends there, who were glad to see 
us, and then went to Hopewell monthly-meeting 
to some satisfaction : from whence I went to a 
few families settled up Shanondoa above the 
Three-top't mountain so called, and had a meet- 
ing amongst them ; they were pretty much ten- 
dered and received the visit kindly, especially- 
such who did not make profession of the truth 



66 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

with us. I admired how they had notice, for 
many came to it, and some ten miles or more. 
I believe that the delight in hunting and a roving 
idle life drew most of them under our name to 
settle there : so having discharged myself in a 
plain yet loving manner, I returned to Robert 
M*'Coy jun's. and having had several other 
meetings thereaway, I went home with peace of 
mind and thankfulness of heart to him who 
alone enables his children to answer his requir- 
ings, having rode in this journey above four hun- 
dred miles. 

This winter John Cadwalader and Zebulon 
Heston, in their return from a religious visit to 
friends in Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina, 
were at my house ; and being desirous to visit 
some meetings on the Eastern-shore of Mary- 
land,! went with them to Sassafras-meeting, and 
called to see the widow and children of John 
Browning who had been dead about a month, 
and she gave me in substance the following ac- 
count of him, viz. 

" My husband was not long sick, but said 
that he believed he should not recover, and 
charged me to endeavour that his children should 
be brought up in the way of Truth which friends 
profess ; and if they incline to have trades, to 
put them apprentice to real friends, not barely 
nominal ones ; which she said, she was willing 
to do, though she had never yet joined to friends, 
and desired she would not trust her own judg- 
ment, and named some friends with whom she 
should advise in choosing masters. Then said, 
when I am dead, bury me by my father and mo- 
.ther in the grave-yard belonging to our family. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN, 67 

and thou knowest that I put a large grave- stone 
at my father's grave, and there is one ready for 
my mother's grave, which I did not put there, 
because 1 began to think they were more for 
grandeur than service. I sent for them from 
England, not at the request of my father ; they 
are mine, and now I have a full testimony against 
such formal tokens of respect; therefore when I 
am buried, before the company leaves the grave, 
inform them what my will is, and desire their 
help to take the grave-stone from my father's 
grave, and carry it out of the yard, tliat it may 
be brought home ; and lay one in one hearth, 
and the other in the other hearth of this new 
house, and they will be of real service there :* 
which she promised him to observe, and told me 
she had complied therewith. He remained sen- 
sible to near the last, and departed in a quiet 
resigned frame of mind." 

How weak are the arguments of such who make 
profession with us, and plead for those grand 
marks of memorial or other tokens of distinction 
set up at or on the graves of their deceased re- 
lations ; and how soon would they subside, did 
they but live so near the pure truth as to feel 
the mind thereof; as I fully believe this our friend 
did, knowing that the name of the righteous will 
not perish, but be had in everlasting remem- 
brance ; because their portion is life for ever- 
more, having entered into that kingdom pre- 
pared for the blessed before the foundation of 
the world. 



* He had built a new brick house and the hearth not 
fully laid. 



68 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

This spring of the year ly42, I felt strong 
drawings of mind to visit friends in New-Eng- 
land, having had some view thereof several years 
before; and. having obtained a certificate, I set 
forward in the third month ; and after visiting 
several meetings in New-Jersey, and one in 
New-York, I attended the yearly-meeting on 
Long Island ; wherein the power of truth was 
felt, and a great openness to those of other so- 
cieties, many of whom were present, particularly 
the last day, and two priests who behaved so- 
lidly. 

I then went with Samuel Hopwood, a minis- 
tering friend from England, with whom I had 
travelled in this journey through part of New- 
Jersey, to Ryewood, and had a meeting there, 
where were a few solid friends, but others too 
talkative; and being at Old-Seabrook had a 
meeting in an inn, on the first day of the week ; 
the people being chiefly Presbyterians, few at- 
tended besides ourselves, and those of the fa- 
mily who were kind and civil to us ; then going 
to Conanicut we had a meeting with friends on 
that island, and proceeded to Newport on Rhode- 
Island : and on the fifth day of the week at*- 
tended the meeting at Portsmouth, where we 
met with Lydia Dean from Pennsylvania, who 
was on a religious visit to friends in New- Eng- 
land, and many other friends coming to be at 
the yearly- meeting on this island. It began on 
the sixth day of the week with a meeting of 
ministers and elders, and two meetings for pub- 
lic worship, one in the forenoon and the other in 
the afternoon, and they were held in the same 
order until the second day of the next week> 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 69 

when the meeting for discipline began. This 
large yearly- meeting in the several settings 
thereof was generally solid and satisfactory. 
After which taking divers meetings in our way, 
namely^ Portsmouth, Tiverton, Seconnet, Accoa- 
keset, and Aponigangset, and attending their 
monthly- meeting there, all which were in a good 
degree satisfactory, S. Hopwood and myself 
embarked for Nantucket ; and through the mer- 
cy of kind providence arrived safe there, after 
a passage of three days and two nights, occa- 
sioned by scant winds, and an easterly storm 
which tore our sails very much, being old and 
rotten ; so that if some watchful friends on the 
island had not seen us in distress, and come with 
three whale-boats, and took all the passengers 
being twenty-four of us from the vessel, we 
should have been in great danger: for being 
near a sand bar, the vessel struck ground soon 
after we left her, and by the violence of the wind 
was driven on shore. We looked on this de- 
liverance as a mercy from (rod, to whom several 
of us were bowed in humble thankfulness for 
this particular favour. On the twenty-second 
day of the fourth month the yearly-meeting be- 
gan, which though small on this day by reason of 
the storm, was comfortable ; the other sittings 
were mostly large and in a good degree owned 
by the power and virtue of Truth. 

My friend S. Hopwood apprehending him- 
self clear, inclined to return to the Main-land, 
but no passage offered ; and notwithstanding 
the meetings had been generally attended by 
most of the inhabitants of the island, and large, 
yet I was not easy without endeavouring to 



70 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

have some opportunities with friends by them* 
selves, as much as could be ; which I obtained, 
besides attending their usual week day meeting: 
and in these sittings, it pleased the Lord to 
open my way to deliver several things which 
had lain heavy on my mind ; for although some 
solid tender spirited friends lived on this island, 
yet I saw there was a libertine spirit secretly at 
work amongst some others, to draw away from 
the pure inward life of religion and the sim- 
plicity of Truth, into ease and liberty. After 
which I had great peace, and my mind was 
made thankful to the Lord, who had owned my 
labour by a good degree of his presence and 
power. 

Being now fully clear and a passage offer- 
ing, on the second of the fifth month we took 
leave of our friends, and landed the same day 
in the evening at Seconnet ; and on the seventh 
day S. Hopwood and I went to the quarterly- 
meeting at Sandwich, and were at their first 
day meeting also ; after which, I went back to 
Seconnet, and had a meeting at Benjamin Bore- 
man's ; then returned to Sandwich where I 
again met S. Hopwood, and on third day 
we had a meeting at Yarmouth, and returning 
to Humphrey Wady's, w r e from thence went 
towards Boston, taking a meeting with friends 
at Pembrook ; reached that town on sixth day, 
and attended their morning and afternoon meet- 
ings on first day, also one at a friends house in 
the evening. I have here little to remark, save 
that religion seems to be at a low ebb. From 
Boston I went to Lynn, but S. Hopwood re- 
turned towards Rhode-island. I had a meet- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 71 

ing at Lynn, also at Salem, Newberry and Do- 
ver, being the monthly- meeting ; the next day 
at Cachechy, and in the afternoon again at Do- 
ver at the burial of Mary Whitehouse who was 
ninety-five years of age ; and on second day 
morning, I was secretly drawn to have a meet- 
ing over the river on the Kittery shore among 
friends, which was satisfactory to myself and 
them, there being a tender people there. On 
third day morning as I lay in bed, I felt my 
mind drawn towards the North- w 7 est, which 
was an. exercise to me, for I had before thought 
myself at liberty to return towards Boston. I 
arose about sun rise, and asked the friend where 
I lodged, whether any friends lived at a dis- 
tance on that quarter, for that I had a draft that 
way ; he answered no, and asked how far I 
thought to go, I told him it did not seem to me 
to be more than ten miles : he said there was a 
people about eight miles distant, which he sup- 
posed was the place to which I felt the draft. I 
desired him to send a lad with a few lines to 
some person that he knew, to inform them that 
a stranger would be glad to have a meeting 
among them at the eleventh hour of that day, 
if they were free to grant it, which he did and 
with his wife went with me ; so that we got to 
the place near the time proposed, and found a 
considerable gathering of people, that I won- 
dered how it could be in so short a time, not 
more than three hours warning. They were 
preparing seats by laying boards on blocks in a 
pretty large new house, and soon sat down in 
an orderly manner. I went in great fear and 
hrvvard weakness, and at the sight of such a 



72 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

gathering of people, and none of our profession 
among them except the friend and his wife who 
accompanied me, and two others who joined us 
on the way ; my spirit was greatly bowed, and 
my heart filled with secret cries to the Lord, 
that he would be pleased to magnify his own 
power : and blessed for ever be his holy name ! 
he heard my cry, and furnished with wisdom 
and strength to declare his word to the people, 
among whom there were some very tender seek- 
ers after the true knowledge of God ; and the 
doctrine of Truth flowed freely towards them, 
the universality of the love of God being set 
forth in opposition to the common predestiua- 
rian notion of election and reprobation. When 
the meeting was over I felt an uncommon free- 
dom to leave them, for they began to shew their 
satisfaction with the opportunity in many words. 
So speaking to the friend who went with me, 
we withdrew and went to our horses, and I 
immediately mounting, beheld the man of the 
house where the meeting was held running to 
me, who taking hold of the bridle, told me I 
must not go away withput dining with them. I 
looked steadfastly on him, and told him, that I 
did believe this was a visitation for their good, 
but I was fearful that they, by talking too freely 
and too much, would be in danger of losing 
the benefit thereof, and miss of the good that 
the Lord intended for them : and my going 
away was in order to example them to go home 
to their own houses, and turn inward, and re- 
tire to that of God in their own hearts, which 
was the only way to grow in religion. So I 
left him, and returned with my friend Joseph 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 73 

JKastees and his wife. Next day I was again 
at Cachechy meeting, where Lydia Dean and 
her companion Eliphal Harper met me ; it was 
a good meeting. From thence we went to Do- 
ver and had a meeting, and another the same 
evening at the house of John Kenny ; and be- 
ing clear in my mind of those parts, I returned, 
having meetings at Hampton, Salisbury, Aims- 
bury, and Haverhill ; at which last place, se- 
veral persons were assembled with us who had 
never heard the preaching of any friend before. 
There was great openness among them, and 
we had a good meeting together, for which I 
was thankful to the holy author of all good. 
Next day I again met with Lydia Dean and E. 
Harper, at Stephen Sawyer's near Newberry, 
where we had a meeting ; at which I was con- 
cerned to speak in a brief manner of the begin- 
ning of the reformation from the errors of the 
church of Rome, and the sufferings of the Pro- 
testants, particularly in England, some of whose 
successors turned persecutors, and were very 
cruel to those whom thev called Sectarians. 
Amongst whom the Presbyterians having suf- 
fered persecution, in order to be eased there- 
from, came into America and settled in New- 
England ; expecting there to enjoy that rea- 
sonable right, the liberty of their conscience ; 
and in this their ease, forgetting the golden rule 
of doing to others as they would be done unto, 
became, to their lasting ignominy, persecutors of 
the Quakers so called, even to the death of se- 
veral of them. And I had to speak of the na- 
ture and ground of persecution, and the great 
inconsistency thereof with Christianity. Seve- 



74 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

ral of the Presbyterians were present, and an 
ancient man from Newberry, one of their lead- 
ers and an elder among them, when the meet- 
ing was over, desired he might speak with me. 
I being withdrawn into a little parlour, friend 
Sawyer came and informed me, that the old 
man wanted to be admitted to me, to which I 
felt no objection, being quiet and easy in my 
mind, though I expected he would be for dis- 
puting. When he came in, he let me know 
that he had some observations to make to me ; 
viz. " he supposed I was a man that had read 
much, or I could not be so fully acquainted with 
the reformation, and that he also supposed I 
had a college education." As to the last, I 
told him that I never had been at a school but 
about three months, and the man I went to be- 
ing a weaver, sat in his loom and heard his 
scholars read ; that I was so far from having 
a popular education, that I was born in a wil- 
derness place, where a few families had settled 
many miles remote from other inhabitants ; at 
which, lifting up his hands, he blessed himself 
and added, " Heaven has then anointed you to 
preach the gospel, and you have this day 
preached the truth; but I can assure you, 
though I have been a parish officer, I never did 
take any thing from your friends the Quakers, 
for I am against persecution ; so God bless you 
with a good journey." 

The next day I had a meeting at Ipswich in 
the house of Benjamin Hoeg, none professing 
with us living in that town but himself and fa- 
mily : though there was a friendly man, who, as 
I came late to the town the evening before, in- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 75 

rited me to lodge at bis house, of which I ac- 
cepted, and being weary slept well. In the 
morning I heard a noise of high words in the 
street, and getting up I opened the door of the 
parlour where I lodged, and through a passage 
into the kitchen, saw a woman whom I took to 
be the mistress of the house, and went toward 
her : but with a look of exceeding displeasure 
she immediately shut the door, so I turned into 
mv room a^ain. After a while the landlord 
came to me, and told me that he had been with 
the Burgess, who had given leave that a meet- 
ing might be held in the town-hall ; but the 
priest and his two sons had since been with the 
Burgess and forbad him, and that rather than 
displease them, he had withdrawn the leave. 
The priest asserted that the Quakers were he- 
retics, and had gone about the town to for- 
warn his hearers against going to the meeting, 
which was the meaning of the noise I had 
heard in the street. I felt very easy, and de- 
sired that he would not trouble himself anv fur 
ther than to inform them, that the meeting 
would be held at the house of B. Hoeg : for I 
did believe that the railing of the priest would 
raise the curiosity of the people the more to 
come, and so it proved. I asked him to shew 
me the way to the house, that I mi^ht be assist- 
ant in making provision for seats if occasion re- 
quired : he said I must take breakfast with him, 
which was soon brought in bv the woman who 
had shut the door as before mentioned. I asked 
him if she was his wife, he told me she was ; on 
which I arose from my seat and offered her my 
hand, asking her how she did; but she in dis- 



76 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

pleasure refused, and saying not a word, di- 
rectly left the room. After breakfast we went 
to the house where the meeting was to be held j 
and there soon came a great number of people, 
and the priest also very near the door, where 
he stood cautioning his hearers ; but several 
came by an alley to the back door, and others 
seemed little to regard him, that after a time he 
went away, and through the goodness of the 
Lord we had a solid profitable meeting ; for I 
believe many were there whose hearts were 
reached and tendered by the love and power of 
the gospel of Christ, and among them I saw my 
scornful landlady. It seems, a woman whom 
she valued had persuaded her to come with her ; 
before the meeting ended, I perceived her coun- 
tenance was changed and her stout heart ten- 
dered, and after it she came to ine with her 
husband, and kindly invited me to dine with 
them. I owned their love, and desired them 
to mind the Truth by which they had been 
reached : so in humble thankfulness of heart to 
the great Author of all living mercies, I left 
them, and went that night to Salem ; and tar- 
rying one meeting the next day, passed on to 
Marblehead, and had a meeting in the town- 
hall, the magistrates readily granting it, which 
was large. I had to speak on morality, the 
nature and necessity thereof, shewing that a 
man could not be a true christian without being 
a good moralist. I thought they had need of a 
reformation in their morals, though they profes- 
sed Christianity in a high manner. One thing 
is worthy of remarking, the select men and of- 
ficers were very careful to keep the rude boys 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 77 

and people that caine to the door from making 
disturbance; several of them walked to the 
door and spoke to them, and rapped some on 
their heads with their canes to make them still; 
the meeting ended to satisfaction without the 
least opposition. From thence, taking a meet- 
ing at Lynn by the way, I went to Boston, and 
was at their meetings on first day in the fore- 
noon and afternoon; at both which, several 
came that were not in profession with us, and 
Truth opened the doctrine thereof to the people 
pretty freely ; but I was not easy to leave this 
town without having an opportunity with friends 
by themselves, for which purpose it was held 
at Benjamin BagnalFs ; and therein I was deep- 
ly bowed under a sense of the state of ease in 
which some were delighting themselves in their 
imaginary attainments, whilst the pure seed lay 
under suffering ; but blessed be the Lord, who 
was graciously pleased to endue with a spirit 
of love and tender compassion, and thereby en- 
abled me to discharge myself fully, and I was 
released from what had lain very heavy upon 
me for several days. The next day I had an 
opportunity with several friends at Samuel 
Pope's, and then left Boston pretty easy in my 
mind, and went to Samuel Thayre's at Mendam ; 
who accompanied me the next day to Uxbridge, 
where we had a meeting with a few raw, talka- 
tive people, which, through the goodness of 
God, was nevertheless to some degree of satis- 
faction. I returned with Samuel Thayre to his 
house, where I met with Hannah Jenkinson 
from Pennsylvania, and we were at Mendam 
meeting together. She then went towards Bos- 

g2 



78 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

ton, and I to Wainsokett, and Providencetown, 
and had a meeting at each place ; the latter of 
ivhich was a poor meeting, the people looking 
for words and not waiting for the word of life 
in their own hearts. From thence I went to 
and had a large and good meeting at Neshan- 
ticut, the Lord's presence being felt to his owii 
praise, and another at Greenwich ; then pro- 
ceeded to Smithfield and Taunton, taking a 
meeting at each to some good degree of satis- 
faction ; from thence to Swanzey, Freetown, 
Rochester, and Cashnet, having a meeting at 
each ; at one of which, after I stood up to speak 
a few words in great fear, life being low and as 
I apprehended the seed under suffering, I heard 
a kind of sighing by one in the gallery, which 
seemed to bring death rather than to raise life ; 
and after I had spoken a sentence or two, it be- 
came exceedingly burthensome : whereupon it 
came fresh in my mind to say ; " can an Is- 
raelite sing a true Hebrew song whilst the seed 
is in captivity and under suffering ? an attempt 
of the kind shews ignorance." At which there 
was a great silence and the sighing ended, and 
I received strength to deliver what was on my 
mind, and truth felt in a good degree to arise : 
the meeting ended well, and several friends ex- 
pressed their satisfaction with the service on 
that day. Being clear of those parts I went to 
Rhode-Island, and in a sense of the goodness 
and mercy of the Lord who had helped me in 
my travels in his work, my soul worshipped 
before him. 

On the twenty-second of the sixth month I 
gat with friends at Newport in their fore and 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 79 

afternoon meetings ; and next morning left 
Rhode-island with a heavy heart, and had a 
meeting at South Kingston, where I met with 
Susanna Morris and her sister Hannah Hur- 
ford ; and the same day had a meeting at James 
Parry's, and the day following we had one at 
Thomas Stanton's, in Westerly, among a mixed 
people of several societies, to whom I felt a 
stream of gospel love ; but the meeting was hurt 
by several appearances of one present who lived 
at no great distance. Our manner of sitting in 
silence is so very different from the common 
practice of most other religious societies, that it 
is no marvel if it should be as time mispent to 
some, and fill others with wonder, which was 
the case this day ; and for want of a deep in- 
ward attention to the living word of Truth, in- 
stead of instructing the people in the true way 
of worship in the love of the gospel, there may 
be a warm censuring of them for what they un- 
derstand not, and thereby raise a dislike in them, 
to the foreclosing of other service. And I have 
sometimes observed hurt done by this means, 
by some who appeared in the impatience, not 
having the weight of the work upon them ; cus- 
tom had taught the people to look for words, and 
they were offended by words spoken not in sea- 
son, and therefore not fitly spoken. I left this 
meeting with sorrow ; and after I mounted my 
horse, the person who had appeared there three 
times, came to me, and said, " he hoped he had 
not hindered my service in it." I reminded him 
that he had informed the people in that meeting, 
their looking for words had been one reason why 
the Lord had shut up the testimony of Truth in 



80 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

the hearts of his servants, which I told him I 
did believe was not then the case ; but that his 
forward appearances had mudded the waters, 
unsettled the people, and marred the service. 
So we parted ; and feeling my mind drawn back 
towards Newport, I went that evening to James 
Congdon's, and the next day to Newport ; call- 
ing in my way at James Parry's, where I found 
Lydia Dean very sick, she being so far on her 
journey towards home; and on the fifth day of 
the week I was at two satisfactory meetings 
there, and on seventh day had a small meeting 
at Nicholas Eas ton's ; and on first day two large 
good meetings at Newport; and next day, hear- 
ing that Lydia Dean was come to Samuel Clark's 
on Conanicut island, I went with several others 
to see her, and she returned with us to Newport; 
where after a very short notice we had a large 
evening meeting, wherein the Lord was pleased 
mercifully to favour us with his immediate pre- 
sence, to the glory and praise of his own eternal 
name, which is worthy for ever ! After attend- 
ing their monthly-meeting at Portsmouth, find- 
ing my mind clear and easy to proceed home- 
ward, Lydia Dean, Patience Barker, John 
Easton and myself set out from Newport, tak- 
ing leave of friends in a tender manner on both 
sides ; and were the first day following at a 
meeting in Westerly, which was in a good de- 
gree satisfactory : and passing through Con- 
necticut to New Milford, Oblong, and Nine- 
partners, had meetings in each place. And 
having a great desire to be at our yearly-meeting 
for Pennsylvania and New Jersey, to be held 
at Burlington, which was near approaching, we 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. SI 

passed on and took a meeting at Samuel Field's, 
to which several not of our society came ; and 
the opportunity was, through the goodness of the 
Lord, profitable. We then proceeded as fast as 
convenient, and reached Burlington on first day 
in the time of the yearly-meeting; where many 
friends were gathered, and Michael Lightfoot, 
in his return from Great Britain, with whom 
came John Haslam, and Edmund Peckover on 
a visit to friends in America. This meeting was 
large and solid, at which I also met my dear 
wife, to our mutual, thankful rejoicing. After 
the meeting I went home, where I found things 
as to the outward in good order : for which I 
was humbly thankful to the Lord, who had not 
only been with me by his heavenly presence in 
this journey, and brought me safe home to my 
family, but had supported them in my absence. 
Blessed be his holy name for ever! 



82 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

CHAP. Ill, 

His visit to Long Island — Visit with others to the 
families of Friends in Nottingham, and to some 
families in Philadelphia, and to the Mayor of that 
city ; also to the Assembly of Pennsylvania in the 
year 1748. — His journey with Michael Lightfoot 
to the yearly-meeting at West River in Maryland ; 
and, accompanied by Joshua Brown, to divers 
meetings in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. — His 
considerations on apprehending it his duty to visit 
Friends in Europe, and proceedings in preparing 
to enter upon that weighty service, to the time of 
his leaving home in order to take shipping for 
London. 

In the spring of the year 1743, having draw- 
ings in my mind to make a general visit to 
friends on Long Island, I sat out in the third 
month, in order to be at the yearly-meeting at 
Flushing, which began on the sixth day of the 
week, and continued until the second of the 
week following. It was large, and signally 
owned by the power of Truth in each sitting : 
the public service in the ministry lay mostly on 
Edmund Peckover, who was there in his way 
to New England. On first day I thought I had 
an engagement to stand up, and considerable 
matter before me, and after speaking three or 
four sentences which came with weight, all 
closed up, and I stood still and silent for seve- 
ral minutes, and saw nothing more, not one 
word to speak ; I perceived the eyes of most of 
the people were upon me ; they, as well as my- 
self expecting more; but nothing further ap- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 83 

pcaring, I sat down, I think I may say in re- 
verent fear and humble resignation; when that 
remarkable sentence of Job, chap. i. 21. was pre- 
sented to my mind, " Naked came I out of my 
mother's womb, and naked shall I return ; the 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; 
blessed be the name of the Lord: and for, I 
suppose, near a quarter of an hour I remained 
in a silent quiet ; but afterwards let in great 
reasonings and fear lest I had not waited the 
right time to stand up, and so was suffered to 
fall into reproach; for the adversary who is 
ever busy, and unwearied in his attempts to 
devour, persuaded me to believe that the people 
would laugh me to scorn, and I might as well 
return home immediately and privately, as at- 
tempt any further visit on the island. After 
meeting I hid my inward exercise and distress 
as much as I could ; when night came I lodged 
with a sympathising friend and experienced 
elder, who began to speak encouragingly to me, 
but I said to him, that I hoped he would not 
take it amiss if I desired him to forbear saying 
any thing ; for if he should say good things, I had 
no capacity to believe, and if otherwise, I could 
not then understand so as to be profitably cor- 
rected or instructed, and after some time fell 
asleep. When I awoke, I remembered that the 
sentences I had delivered in the meeting were 
self-evident Truths, which could not be wrested 
to the disadvantage of friends or dishonour of 
the cause of Truth ; though they might look 
like roots or something to paraphrase upon : 
and although my standing some time silent be- 
fore I sat down might occasion the people to 



84 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

think ine a silly fellow, yet they had not cause 
to blame me for delivering words without sense 
or life. Thus I became very quiet, and not 
much depressed, and was favoured with an 
humble resignation of mind, and a desire that 
the Lord would be pleased to magnify his own 
name and Truth, and preserve me from bring- 
ing any reproach thereon : so I ventured to have 
meetings appointed, and my particular friend 
and intimate acquaintance, Caleb Raper of Bur- 
lington being at that meeting, went as companion 
with me, of whose company I was glad, he be- 
ing a valuable elder. We went first to Rock- 
away, then to Jamaica, Sequetague, Setakit, 
Matinicock, Cowneck, and Westbury meetings, 
and at most of them I had good satisfaction : 
the good presence of the Lord, in whom I de- 
lighted above all things, being witnessed to my 
comfort, and I believe to the edification and com- 
fort of the sincere in heart. But the testimony 
of Truth went particularly sharp to the luke- 
warm professors and libertines in our society : 
that humbling time I had at Flushing was of 
singular service to me, being thereby made wil- 
lingly subject to the Divine openings of Truth, 
and motion of the eternal Spirit and pure word 
of Life, in speaking to the several states of those 
who were present in the meetings ; and life 
came into dominion, and the power thereof over- 
shadowed at times, to my humble admiration, 
blessed be the name of the Lord who is worthy 
for ever and ever ! 

Then crossing Whitestone ferry we had meet- 
ings at West- Chester, Momarineck, Ry woods, 
and Longreach, which were qiostly to good sa- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 85 

tisfaction. We then went to New-York and 
were at their meeting ; and in the evening had 
a select one with friends*, which gave me consi- 
derable relief, and I believe satisfaction to them, 
and we were made thankful together in the re- 
newings of the covenant of life. From thence 
we went to a meeting at Newtown on Long- 
Island, and to the monthly- meeting at Flushing, 
where friends gave me a certificate in return to 
that I brought from home, in which they signi- 
fied their nnity with my service on the island. 
Then taking leave of friends in sweetness of 
mind and inward peace, being clear of those 
parts, I returned homewards, and went to the 
Narrows that night, but could not get over. 
Next morning early crossed the ferry, when 
there was a great swell, occasioned by the stormy 
weather in the evening and night before, and 
having now no wind were obliged to roAV the 
boat over. In the passage I remembered that 
in crossing this ferry when coming on this visit, 
I thought myself never much poorer, having only 
a secret hope and trust in the holy arm of Power ; 
and being now inwardly sensible of my own 
weakness, I had to acknowledge that I went 
not forth on this embassy in my own will and 
strength, and therefore craved only that my bles- 
sed Lord and master would blot out mine offences, 
and yet enable me so to walk in humble obe- 
dience the residue of my time, as to be favoured 
with the answer of well done at the conclusion. 
And knowing the nature and treachery of self, 
did not want to be intrusted with too much re- 
ward at present 5 choosing rather, that the Lord 
in his infinite wisdom and mercy, should deal out 

H 



86 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

to me my daily bread according to his own plea- 
sure. I passed over this Jordan with my staff 
and now I am become two bands, was the say- 
ing of Jacob, Gen. xxxii. 10. As this saying 
of the good Patriarch came fresh in my mind, 
I thought, that although I could not see myself 
much increased in heavenly treasure; I came 
poor, and had only the staff of faith to lean upon, 
yet I had to bless the Lord that he was now 
pleased to favour me with the same staff in my 
return, on the never failing strength whereof, I 
might with safety evermore rely, and in holy 
resignation I had to praise his worthy name. I 
proceeded with my friend Caleb Raper to Bur- 
lington, where we parted in much love and near- 
ness, in which we had travelled together. I 
reached home about wheat harvest, and found 
my dear wife and family well. 

I went not much abroad the residue of this 
summer, and the year following ; but was care- 
ful to attend our own and many neighbouring 
meetings : also monthly, quarterly and yearly- 
meetings in this and the adjacent province. 
Some business of a public nature, together with 
my own circumstances, necessarily engaged me 
for several years : in which time, viz. in the spring 
of the year 1745, my dear wife having drawings 
in her mind to visit the meetings of friends in Vir- 
ginia, Maryland, and North Carolina, obtained 
a certificate of the unity of friends with her, to 
travel in that service with JaneHoskins of Ches- 
ter : and in the same year I was nominated with 
several other friends to visit the families belong- 
ing to our monthly-meeting ; which being large, 
and many friends living at a distance, was a la- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN, 87 

borious work, and not fully performed until the 
fall of the year 1747* when account was given 
that the service was perfected to a good de- 
gree of satisfaction. In the winter following, I 
had it on my mind to visit all the families of the 
particular meeting of Newark near Brandy wine, 
who seemed to be in a declining state as to reli- 
gion, having dropped their week day meeting, 
and often much neglegted to attend their first-day 
meeting : many of the elderly friends being deceas- 
ed, and their children almost turned to the world, 
and united to the spirit, pleasures, and pastimes 
thereof. My brother William Brown, and his 
wife and mine were with me on this service, and 
great plainness was used in opening to many 
particulars the cause of their declension; and as 
the love of truth engaged me in the service, I had 
peace and satisfaction, and those visited seemed 
to receive the visit kindly. 

In the spring of the year 1748, I felt draw- 
ings in my mind to visit some families of friends 
in Philadelphia, of which I acquainted my bre- 
thren at home ; aud having their concurrence, 
in the fourth month I joined with some friends 
in the city who were sometime before appointed 
to the service, and we went in much love from 
house to house, the Lord, by his good presence, 
being with us to our mutual comfort : and as I 
attended to the drawings of truth, I found a con- 
cern to go to the mayor of the city accompanied 
by my good friend Israel Pemberton the elder, 
and was engaged to lay before him the nature of 
his office as a magistrate, and exhorted him to 
take care thai he bore not the sword in vain, 
but put the laws in execution against evil doers; 



S8 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

such as drunkards, profane swearers, &c. and 
to be, in his authority, a terror to the wicked, 
and an encourager of them that do well. He 
was loving and tender, and expressed his satis- 
faction with the visit. 

While I was in the city, the governor called 
or summoned the members of Assembly toge- 
iher, and in pressing terms laid before them 
ihe defenceless state of Pennsylvania ; in order 
to prevail with the house to grant a sum of mo- 
ney to station a ship of force at Delaware capes ; 
also to encourage the building a battery below 
the city, which was began sometime before by 
subscription, but likely to be too heavy for the 
undertakers. One night as I lay in my bed, it 
came very weightily upon me to go to the house 
of assembly, and lay before the members there- 
of the danger of departing from trusting in that 
divine arm of power which had hitherto pro- 
tected the inhabitants of our land in peace and 
safety. The concern rested on me several days ; 
which occasioned me with earnest breathings to 
seek the Lord, that if this was a motion from 
him, he would be pleased to direct my steps 
therein, so that I might be preserved from giv- 
ing just cause of offence to any, for it seemed to 
be a very difficult time ; many, even of our so- 
ciety, declaring their willingness that a sum of 
money should be given to the king, to show our 
loyalty to him; and that they were willing to 
part with their substance for his use, though as 
a people, we had a testimony to bear against all 
outward wars and fightings. I made no man 
privy to my concern until a week had near pas- 
sed : when one morning it became so heavv 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 89 

upon me, that I went to the house of an inti- 
mate friend, who being just up invited me to 
come in ; and as we sat together, he had a 
sense that something of weight was upon me, 
and asked if I was concerned about the assem- 
bly ; whereupon I asked him, if he ever knew 
of any friends going to the assembly with a con- 
cern to speak to them ? he answered nay, add- 
ing, " but I have often wondered that they have 
not, for I have understood that it was formerly 
a common practice for them to sit in silence a 
while, like solemn worship, before they pro- 
ceeded to do business," I told him, that I had 
it on my mind to go to the house that morning 
and should be glad of suitable company ; he 
directed me to one whom he thought such, and 
I immediately went to him and acquainted him 
with my concern ; but as I spake, I felt that I 
had better go alone, and therefore told him, that 
if he did not feel clear and easy to go with me, 
I advised him to stay : he replied " thy way is 
before thee, but I believe I must not go :" I 
therefore returned to my friend, who did not 
discourage me, though I had no company. Be- 
ing pressed in mind, I went directly to the 
State-house before I took breakfast, and got 
there just as the speaker, J. K. was going in ; 
I beckoned to him and he came to me. I told 
him I wanted to be admitted into the house, for 
I thought I had something to say to them 
which seemed to me of importance : he said, it 
was a critical time, and they had a difficult af- 
fair before them : and queried, whether I had 
not better wait until the house parted ; and an- 
other member being near, said, he thought it 



90 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

would be best, and less liable to give offence, 
for there were divers members not of our so- 
ciety, and if I would wait until the house broke 
up, they would inform all the members that 
were friends, and did not doubt they would be 
willing to give me an opportunity to inform them 
what was on my mind. I told them, that would 
give me no relief, for I had a particular desire 
that those members who were not of our society 
should be present ; believing that it would be 
better for them to hear and judge for themselves 
than to have it at second hand, as it might be 
differently represented ; at which they were a 
little silent. Then I requested the speaker that 
he would go in and inform the members, that a 
countryman was in waiting who had a desire to 
be admitted, having something to communicate 
to them, and if they refused he would be clear : 
he readily and affectionately answered he 
would, and soon brought me word that they 
were willing. There was a great awe over my 
mind when I went in, which I thought in some 
measure spread, and prevailed over the members 
beyond my expectation. After a silence of 
perhaps ten or twelve minutes, I felt as though 
all fear of man was taken away, and my mind 
influenced to address them in substance after 
the following manner. 

My Countrymen, and fellow Subjects, Representatives 
of the Inhabitants of this Province. 

" Under an apprehension of the difficulties be- 
fore you, I feel a strong sympathy with you, 
and have to remind you of a just and true say- 
iug of a great minister of Jesus Christ in his 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 91 

day, The powers that be, are ordained of God. 
Now if men in power and authority, in what- 
soever station, would seek unto God, who will 
be a spirit of judgment to them that sit in judg- 
ment, for wisdom and counsel to act singly for 
him that ordained the power, and permitted 
them to be stationed therein, that they should 
be his ministers ; such will be a blessing under 
God to themselves and their country ; but if 
those in authority do suffer their own fears and 
the persuasions of others, to prevail with them 
to neglect such attention, and so make, or enact 
laws in order to their own protection and de- 
fence by carnal weapons and fortifications, 
styled human prudence, he who is superintend- 
ent, by withdrawing the arm of his power, may 
permit those evils they feared to come sudden- 
ly upon them, and that in his heavy displeasure. 
May it with gratitude be ever remembered how 
remarkably we have been preserved in peace 
and tranquillity for more than fifty years ! no 
invasion by foreign enemies, and the treaties of 
peace with the natives, wisely began by our 
worthy proprietor William Penn, preserved in- 
violate to this day. 

" Though you now represent, and act for a 
mixed people of various denominations as to re- 
ligion ; yet remember the charter is the same 
as at first ; beware therefore of acting to oppress 
tender consciences; for there are many of the 
inhabitants whom you now represent, that still 
hold forth the same religious principles with 
their predecessors, who were some of the first 
adventurers into this, at that time wilderness 
land, who would be greatly grieved to see war- 



92 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

like preparations carried on, and encouraged 
by a law consented to by their brethren in pro- 
fession, or others, contrary to the charter ; still 
conscientiously concluding, that the reverent 
and true fear of God, with an humble trust in 
his ancient arm of power, would be our greatest 
defence and safety ; and they who hold differ- 
ent principles and are settled in this govern- 
ment, can have no just cause of reflection if war- 
like measures are forborne, because they knew 
the charter framed, and the peaceable constitu- 
tion, and have ventured themselves therein. 

" We may observe by sundry laws enacted 
in parliament, when the reformation was but 
newly begun in England our mother country, 
there seemed to be wisdom from above to influ- 
ence their minds. May you be rightly directed 
at this time, many of whom do fully believe in 
the immediate influence of Christ, the wisdom 
of God, which is truly profitable to direct ! It is 
not from disrespect to the king or government that 
I speak after this manner, for I am thankful in 
heart, that the Lord in mercy hath vouchsafed, 
that the throne of Great Britain should be filled 
with our present benevolent prince, king George 
the second ; may his reign be long and happy V 9 

I acknowledged their kindness in hearing 
me with so much patience, and taking leave, 
withdrew. Several members followed me out, 
and expressed their satisfaction in an affection- 
ate manner with my visit ; and embracing each 
other, we parted in a sense of the love and power 
of Christ Jesus our Lord, who, with the Father, 
is worthy of all thanksgiving and praise for 
ever and ever. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 93 

After my service in Philadelphia was aver, I 
returned home with peace and satisfaction ; and 
went not much abroad save to our quarterly and 
yearly-meetings ; until the spring following, in 
the year 1749, when I went with Michael Light- 
foot to the yearly-meeting at West River in Ma- 
ryland ; in which journey, the weather being 
hot and some weakness of body attending, it 
threw me into a strong fever, and a stoppage in 
my breast, that it was with some difficulty I got 
home, and continued without any amendment a 
considerable time. And one evening as I was 
preparing for bed, an imposthume broke, which 
I suppose was on my lights, because it came up 
my windpipe ; almost strangling me for a con- 
siderable time, that I expected I was near ex- 
piring ; but felt a resignation in this trying time 
beyond my expectation, which I took to be a 
great favour from the Lord. There is no sup- 
port like the light of his countenance. I con- 
tinued bleeding more or less many days, but 
gradually mended. In the eighth month, being 
pretty well recovered, in much love I felt draw- 
ings in my mind to visit some meetings in the 
back parts of Chester, Philadelphia, and Bucks 
counties, and part of New Jersey ; and laying 
my concern before my friends, had their concur- 
rence, and was accompanied by my kinsman 
Joshua Brown, through most of the journey. 
Our first appointed meeting was at Radnor, in 
which Truth owned our service in a good de- 
gree ; and passing over Schuylkill went to Ply- 
mouth, North Wales, Skippack, and New Pro- 
vidence ; which last meeting for want of more 
careful notice was very small, and not being 



94 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

easy in my mind, I had a singular freedom to 
let them know, that I would endeavour to be at 
that place again on the second day following, 
and should be glad they would please to give 
full notice thereof : and having a strong draught 
in my mind to turn back to North Wales, I went 
the same evening to Robert Jones's at Skippack, 
and next day to see a friend who had been a 
long time indisposed; with whom we had a good 
opportunity, which I believe was of advantage 
to the friend, through the goodness and mercy 
of the blessed shepherd of Israel. I also vi- 
sited two other friends, and we were comforted 
together in the renewing of heavenly goodness ; 
and on first day was at North Wales meet- 
ing, which was large and satisfactory ; and at 
Providence again on second day, where friends 
generally met, and I had an opportunity to clear 
myself in a particular manner. Then went to 
Evans's meeting by the side of Schuylkill, and 
had a meeting the same evening at the house of 
Thomas May, both which were to some satis- 
faction: afterwards went to Maiden Creek, 
Exeter, and Richland, and from thence over 
Delaware to Kingwood, and visited, the meet- 
ings in Burlington, Gloucester, and Salem 
Counties as far down as Greenwich, and return- 
ed homewards by Haddonfield ; from whence, 
in my going down, my kinsman Joshua Brown 
left me and went home. I called to visit Han- 
nah Cooper whose husband had not long been 
dead ; she seemed under affliction of body and 
mind. I felt a near sympathy with her, and 
though we did not converse much together, yet 
in the owning love of him who is a friend to the 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 95 

afflicted, we were mutually comforted. She 
expressed her satisfaction in a tender manner; 
saying that soon after I came her exercise was 
lightened, and she was refreshed in a sense of 
the kindness of the Lord, in affording a sympa- 
thy and inward feeling to the children of his 
family. My soul was humbled in reverent 
thankfulness to him the author of all good, who 
is praiseworthy for ever. In the morning I had 
a passage over Delaware about the tenth hour, 
which by reason of ice had not been passable 
for several days before : tarrying in Philadel- 
phia that night, I went next day to Derby meet- 
ing, and the day following got well home, and 
found my dear wife and family well. 

On my leaving home to perform this visit, I 
felt great inward weakness ; and in going from 
meeting to meeting, frequent humbling baptisms 
attended, in which the present state of the church 
was seen, and the conditions of many spoken 
to in the love of Truth ; which made me often 
think that it seemed like a farewell visit, at 
least for a long time. 

I may now make a remark which I hope will 
not be improper or unprofitable. As I passed 
along in this visit, I observed some people would 
earnestly press me to go home with them, and 
would say they would not take it kind if I did 
not, and friends did not use to serve them so, 
that is, pass by them ; yet I thought there was 
not much of the innocent sweetness of Truth to 
be felt at their houses, or even about them; 
though they would say, why ! thou hast hit the 
nail on the head, there is just such people among 
us as thou hast spoken of ; and seemed as to 



96 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

themselves safe and easy, when perhaps their 
religion lay much in thinking that good friends 
were familiar with them and thought well of 
them. I also took notice of another sort, who, 
though they were not fond of having friends to 
go with them, would speak well of their service, 
and deal it out liberally to others in a censori- 
ous manner ; and not look on themselves with 
a true prospect, which would have led them to 
smite on their own breasts with a feeling, short 
prayer, rather than apprehend themselves better 
than others ; when perhaps covetqusness, and a 
worldly spirit had almost destroyed charity, 
which is the sure product of true religion. A 
third sort I beheld humbled and bowed ; whose 
words were few, and would frequently, if they 
said any thing, lament the state of the society, 
and speak of their own weakness, and fear lest 
they should not walk in the uprightness of 
Truth before their own families and the church : 
the dew rested on them in their humble situa- 
tion. I was thankful in the sense I had that 
there were some few of these in almost every 
meeting ; and I had a firm belief that some 
among the youth were under the hand of the 
great preparer of men for his own work. These 
children are mostly modest and diffident of them- 
selves, sincerely affectionate, not over forward 
or fondling, but lovers of Truth in heart; to 
whom I felt great nearness of spirit, believing 
they would grow in the root of life. I beheld 
some others among the youth, whom I feared 
had too great a delight to live on the labours of 
others, who nevertheless had been favoured with 
the reaches of divine love, but for want of dwell- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 97 

ing deep and humble with the pure witness in 
themselves, ran out in the affectionate part, and 
were greatly delighted to hear Truth's testimo- 
ny, and valued instruments according to their 
own liking. These, though they appear as 
goodly flowers, for want of an humble abode in 
the vine, do sometimes wither away as grass on 
the house top. " If you love me, keep my com- 
mandments," was a precept of our holy Lord 
and Master. To keep his commandments we 
must inwardly dwell with his grace in our hearts, 
by which the law of the spirit of life is known 
and understood, by the enlightening and ever- 
lasting sure word of Prophecy ; which will pri- 
vately interpret, and secretly shew to every man 
his duty, and the calling of God, and abilitate 
to abide therein ; and his law is light, and his 
commandment as a lamp to the feet of his peo- 
ple for ever. 

As I sat in a week day meeting in the winter, 
1748, which was held in a private house, our 
meeting-house being burnt sometime before ; I 
felt great weakness and poverty attending my 
mind, which occasioned a deep inquiry into the 
cause : and after a time of inward waiting, the 
humbling divine presence was felt in reverent 
profound silence, yet the gentle operation of the 
divine power caused a secret inward trembling, 
and the following was uttered in a language in- 
telligent to the inward man. Gather thyself from 
all the cumbers of the world, and be thou wean- 
ed from the popularity, love, and friendship 
thereof. I believed this to be the voice of the 
Holy One of Israel, as a merciful warning to 
prepare for my final change, or to stand ready 

i 



98 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

for some service which would separate ine from 
temporal business and the nearest connections 
in life ; and from that time I endeavoured to set- 
tle my affairs, and contract my little business as 
as well as I could. In the summer following 
I met with an unexpected trial ; for without my 
know ledge my name was put in the new com- 
mission for justices of the peace, and endeavours 
were used to persuade me to be qualified in or- 
der to act in that station ; and some of my par- 
ticular friends told me it seemed providential, 
and they thought it was my place to accept there- 
of, as I might be helpful by way of example to 
some in the commission who were friends. For 
a short time I was exceedingly straitened : but 
my eye being fixed on the Lord for counsel, it 
pleased him in great condescension once more to 
revive the sentence before-mentioned ; gather 
thyself from all the cumbers of the world, &c. 
which to me settled the point, and I became 
easy in mind, and humbly thankful to my bles- 
sed instructor who had called me for other ser- 
vice. 

After my return home from the visit to friends 
in New- Jersey before related, I felt such an in- 
ward silence for about two or three weeks, that 
I though I had done with the world, and also 
any further service in the church ; and the pre- 
paring hint was brought to my mind, with thank- 
fulness that I had endeavoured in a good degree 
to practise it. And one day walking alone, I 
felt myself so inwardly weak and feeble, that I 
stood still, and by the reverence that covered 
my mind, I knew that the hand of the Lord was 
on me and his presence round about : the earth 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 99 

was silent and all flesh brought into stillness, 
and light went forth with brightness, and shone 
on Great Britain, Ireland, and Holland; and 
my mind felt the gentle, yet strongly drawing 
cords of that love which is stronger than death ; 
which made me say, Lord! go before and 
strengthen me, and I will follow whithersoever 
thou leads. I had seen this journey near fifteen 
years in a very plain manner ; and at times for 
ten years, thought the concern so strong upon 
me that I must lay it before my friends for their 
advice ; but was secretly restrained : being made 
to believe, that an exercise of that sort would 
ripen best to be kept quiet in my own heart to 
know the right time, by no means desiring to run 
without being sent. To see a thing is not a 
commission to do that thing ; the time when and 
judgment to know the acceptable time, are the 
gifts of God. The time I had to prepare for 
the journey was short, and therefore thought it 
was needful to employ my time to the best ad- 
vantage : and as I had a desire to see friends of 
several particular meetings, namely Bradford, 
West and East Cain, Uwchland, Nantmill, and 
Goshen, my sister Dinah James went with me 
to those meetings ; which through the goodness 
of the Lord were solidly profitable. We had 
also a meeting at Henry Hockley's, near French 
Creek Iron-works, which was to some good sa- 
tisfaction ; and so to the quarterly-meeting at 
Concord in the twelfth month, where I met my 
brother William Brown, who queried of me 
where I had been, and what I had been doing? 
I told him I had been doing as he, and every 
honest man ought to do, collecting little debts 



100 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

and paying where I owed, and endeavouring fo 
settle inv affairs ; for that such care was neces- 
sary when one expected a great sum would be 
immediately demanded. In a few days after 
my return from the quarterly-meeting, 1 laid my 
concern before our preparative meeting, in order 
that friends might have a month to weigh and 
consider it before I spoke for a certificate ; for 
I wanted their feeling concurrence in this weighty 
undertaking : firmly believing, that my great 
and good Master would not require any thing 
of me in which my dear friends could not con- 
cur. And though while the power of Truth 
was upon me, I was made freely to give up ; 
yet now home, and the near affection to a dear 
wife, only son, relations and friends, were ex- 
ceedingly quick and affecting ; and something 
in me seemed to have a choice, that my friends 
would judge that I was too weakly and infirm 
in body, or not otherwise qualified for the ser- 
vice ; and if that should be their mind, I thought 
1 should be clear. In the interval I visited the 
neighbouring meetings, and carefully attended 
to the motion of truth therein : and in the first 
month having the concurrence of the preparative 
meeting, I laid my concern before the monthly- 
meeting, and attended our general spring meet- 
ing at Philadelphia : and my brother William 
Brown having spoken for a certificate on the 
like concern, it seemed pleasant to think of cros- 
sing the ocean together, and friends were for 
proposing a passage, and what ship we should 
go in ; but I felt a secret prohibition against be- 
ing any ways concerned about a passage until I 
had a certificate, and knew that I was fully clear; 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 101 

so returned home. And having a desire to see 
friends in York county over Susquehanna, I 
went there, accompanied by my brother James 
Brown, to the meetings at Newberry, Warring- 
ton, Huntington, and Monallan, which were 
mostly to a good degree of satisfaction : and in 
my return being humble and low in mind, and 
ruminating on my European journey, which was 
before me, my spirit seemed to sink, and my af- 
fection to my dear wife, and family, and friends 
so awakened upon me, that it looked to me ini~ 
possible to part from them and live ; but endea- 
vouring to retire, blessed be the name of the 
Lord the helper of his people ! by whose power 
a silence was known ; and by a gentle, instruc- 
tive, inward voice, my attention was gained, 
and my mind diverted from its pain by the fol- 
lowing query : " Suppose thou shouldst lend 
a valuable thing to a neighbour of thine, to be 
returned on demand, and thou shouldst favour 
him therewith from time to time, not only one 
year, but seven, and then shouldst see cause to 
demand it to be resigned; wouldst thou not 
think that neighbour ungrateful, if he did not 
resign it cheerfully, and with thankfulness and 
acknowledgment suitable to thy kindness?" 
The proposition demanded my assent, and my 
understanding was fully opened by the follow- 
ing application : " All that thou enjoyest is mine, 
dost thou love these things more than me ? if 
not, why is it so hard for thee to resign all to 
follow me ? which made me cry, Lord ! enable 
me, and I will follow thee ; it is only by thy 
strength I can do it." And by the gracious 
goodness of Christ, my great and good Master, 

IS 



J 02 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

I felt an humble resignation to his will, who be- 
ing all things to his people, is worthy to be 
followed and obeyed for ever. Now I was led 
to believe this was the instruction of the blessed 
spirit to me ; and as I had much comfort and satis- 
faction thereby, I am free to leave it as a hint, 
that others under trials of what kind soever, may 
be encouraged to look unto him for help, who 
is the Lord, mighty to save, and able to deliver 
to the uttermost all who sincerely trust in him. 
I returned home, and my certificate being 
signed in the second month, attended our quar- 
terly-meeting at Concord in the third month, 
and went to Philadelphia to see for a passage : 
and with my brother W. B. found one to our 
liking, and to the satisfaction of friends, which 
we also valued. I then returned home, waiting 
until the ship was near ready to sail, and dur- 
ing that time visited several neighbouring meet- 
ings, taking leave of my neighbours and friends : 
and on the first day of the fourth month, 1750, 
taking leave of my dear wife and aged mother, 
I left home before sun rise, and went to Phila- 
delphia that night, spent the next day in visit- 
ing some of my acquaintance, and on the first of 
the week attended three meetings ; in the morn- 
ing at the Bank, which was a satisfactory good 
meeting, wherein friends where exhorted to at- 
tend on the gift of God, for instruction and abil- 
ity to perform every good word and work ; and 
in the afternoon and evening at the High, or 
Market-street house, which though not quite so 
open as the other, were in the main solid goad 
meetings. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 103 



CHAP. IV. 

His visit to Great Britain, Ireland and Holland, from 
the 3'ear 1750 to 1754, with divers observations on 
the state of our religious society in the course of 
his travels. 

On the fourth day of the fourth month, 1750, 
being the second of the week, we left Philadel- 
phia, accompanied by several of our relations 
and friends to Chester ; and went on board the 
ship Carolina, Stephen Mesnard, commander, 
bound for London, where my brother William 
Brown and myself took leave of them ; and 
passing down Delaware, went out to sea in the 
afternoon of the sixth of the same month, and 
had a good passage, in which I was not sea 
sick, though my brother was most of the time. 
We landed at Dover on the sixth of the fifth 
month, being just five weeks from the time I 
left my own house ; and we had to rejoice with 
humble thankfulness, that, during the passage, 
we were careful to keep our meetings in the 
great cabin twice a week, in which we felt the 
presence of our great Lord and Master, and 
therein were comforted. On the day we landed 
we had a meeting at Dover to good satisfaction; 
then took passage in a stage coach to Canter- 
bury the same evening, and lodged at William 
Patterson's who entertained us very kindly ; 
rested there on seventh day, and on first day 
sat with friends in their morning and afternoon 
meetings to some satisfaction. Though I had 
little to say to them, I thought there was a ten- 
der people in that city, and W. B. had an open 



104 THE LTFE AND TRAVELS 

time. Next morning taking our passage in a 
stage coach, we reached London the same even- 
ing, and continued in and about the city until 
the twenty-first of the sixth month, in which 
time I wrote divers letters to my wife and par- 
ticular friends in Pennsylvania; and was se- 
veral times at each of the meetings in the city, 
in which I sat mostly silent, under a great ex- 
ercise of mind from a sense of a too forward 
ministry, which rather disturbed the solemn 
quiet thereof than ministered instruction to the 
humble waiting children, of w hich number I 
thought there were many in that city : though 
it seemed delightful to those who loved to hear 
words eloquently delivered, and to have the 
itching ear pleased, yet in heart were libertines, 
and in practice disorderly walkers. I some- 
times thought, that my silent sitting was so or- 
dered for an example to others for a more steady 
waiting in their own gifts, to know life to arise 
into dominion in meetings. My exercise in- 
creased so, that my sleep seemed to depart from 
me, and I remained as one sealed up as to mi- 
nistry ; nor had I freedom to go from house to 
house to dine, or to make many acquaintance ; I 
was therefore censured by some as singular and 
narrow. At length I felt great enlargement of 
heart towards other societies, though my mouth 
was shut towards our own ; and for a time, it 
seemed as if I must go and have meetings among 
those who did not profess with us. And one 
day, as I was walking towards Ratcliff Fields 
for the air, a draught of affection flowed so 
strong towards some in high stations in govern- 
ment, that I concluded, that I must declare the 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 105 

way of life and salvation through Christ Jesus 
our Lord among them, feeling a greater open- 
ness that way than to friends ; but making a 
stand, I secretly cried, ah Lord! what then 
will become of the family whom thou drewest 
me hither to visit. Then, after a little while, 
that charge came into my mind very fresh; 
Mat. x. 5, 6. Go not into the way of the Gen- 
tiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter 
ye not ; but go rather to the lost sheep of the 
house of Israel : which brought great sweet- 
ness, and an increasing heart-yearning for and 
love to the household ; and made me acknow- 
ledge, good art thou oh Lord God ! for thy 
mercies endure for ever and ever. And I re- 
membered that Nehemiah quietly viewed the 
state of Jerusalem by night ; and saw, that if I 
had any service to do in London the time for it 
was not yet come. I also remembered what 
came into my mind at the second meeting I was 
in after my landing ; in which I had but a few 
sentences to speak, and the motion of life ceased, 
and I sat down, as I have always found it safe 
to do, and felt inward poverty and weakness, 
yet a quiet and attentive mind ; but my brother 
W. B. had good service, and an open time 
among the people, at which I did admire, and 
said in my heart ; he is fit to be sent abroad ; 
but alas ! I am one of the meanest servants that 
was ever sent over the sea to preach the gospe I : 
when this gentle caution came before me ; mind 
thy own business, and be faithful in thy gift, 
thou hast a great journey before thee and thy 
store is small ; live therefore frugally, and 
spend carefully, and covet not another's and 



106 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

thou shalt not want what is convenient for thy- 
self, and something to spare to the needy. 
Whereupon I desired, with an humble heart, to 
be preserved in patience and meekness, becom- 
ing a disciple of my great Lord and Master ; 
and therein to wait for renewed instruction and 
ability, to labour in mine own gift without re- 
pining, however small. 

In a few days I felt some openness towards 
the West of England, and informed my brother 
W. B. thereof ; who, after a little pause, told 
me that his way opened eastward. On some 
consideration of the matter, we concluded it was 
best for each of us to mind the pointings of truth, 
though in some cross to our own wills : for this 
prospect seemed to part us : and if we should 
endeavour to go together for a time, and then 
part, some might judge there was a dislike, or 
want of unity between us ; and on communing 
with some of our friends, they were of the same 
mind. So we resigned, and in much love and 
affection took leave of each other. 

Understanding there was a yearly-meeting 
to be held in Somersetshire for several of the 
western counties, and having some drawings to 
attend it, I left London on the twenty-first of 
the sixth month in company with my friend 
John Hunt, at whose house I lodged, and John 
Pemberton who came over sea with us on ac- 
count of his health, and had a meeting that day 
at Stains, which was pretty good and open ; 
the next at Basingstoke, and so on to Salisbu- 
ry, and Shaftsbury, the two last being dull 
meetings, which is often the case where friends 
are not careful to live near to truth ; and reach- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 107 

ed to Ivelchester, the place where the yearly- 
meeting began, on seventh day in the evening 
the twenty -fifth of the month. On first day we 
had two meetings in the town-hall ; and many 
people being there, meetings were held at the 
market cross in the street at the same time. I 
sat silent that day. On the next there was a 
meeting of ministers and elders in the morning, 
in which I had some remarks to make respect- 
ing ministry ; there were also two public meet- 
ings the same day, one of which was dull, the 
other more open ; and on third day two meet- 
ings rather better, when the yearly-meeting 
ended. Some meetings being laid out for me, 
John Hunt returned to London, but John Pem- 
berton concluded to go with me a few days, and 
his company was kindly accepted of by me, he 
being a sober, well inclined young man. We 
went to Ilminster the first appointed meeting, in 
which the good presence was witnessed much 
to my comfort ; for I saw that the Lord was 
near, and helped in my gift by opening the 
state of the meeting, blessed be his name for- 
ever ! I also had an evening meeting at Chard, 
and next day at Yeovil which was large and 
open for doctrine ; then at Sherborn on the edge 
of Dorsetshire, from thence went to visit the 
wife and children of Jonah Thompson at Comp- 
ton, he being in Pennsylvania on a religious 
visit. I had some good satisfaction in the fa- 
mily, and tarried there a day : then went to the 
meetings at Long Sutton, Puddimore, Grinton, 
Glastonbury, Shipton- mallet, and Frome, in 
which I had, mostly, close and plain service ; 
yet not without a degree of the sweetness and 



108 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

power of truth, in a sense whereof I was often 
made humbly thankful to the Lord. Then 
proceeding to Bath, was at the forenoon and 
afternoon meetings there, and had an evening 
meeting at Caleb Tyley's, which were in some 
good degree owned by truth; but there is a 
want of weighty solid friends in this place, 
which is much frequented by most sorts of peo- 
ple on account of the waters. From thence we 
went to Bradford, and Pickwick meetings ; but 
not being clear at the first, I returned, and had 
an evening meeting there, to which many came, 
and it ended to satisfaction. Here 1 may note, 
that having a desire to see friends by them- 
selves, and something on my mind in a close 
manner to the society ; when I stood up and 
began to speak, the house was soon almost fill- 
ed by others, who would wait without, setting 
some one to watch when there was any thing 
spoken. Upon their coming in, the subject in 
my view closed, and an opening in a doctrinal 
way presented, and my mind turned to it, and I 
believe it was to the satisfaction of some seeking 
people present. After I sat down a few minutes, 
finding no ease respecting my concern towards 
friends, I had a freedom to inform the people, 
that the public service of that meeting was now 
over, but I had a desire, that the members of 
the meeting would stay a little while; on which 
a friend went to the door, and when the others 
had gone out shut it, and the friends mostly 
kept their seats ; and in a little time, the state of 
the meeting came fresh before me again, and I 
had an opportunity to clear myself in a very 
plain manner, shewing that the greatest enemies 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 109 

to the truth, were the professors of it, who did 
not observe the instructions of truth, or grace of 
(rod in their own hearts. For although the 
doctrine thereof, when declared by qualified 
instruments, w r as clear and powerfully convinc- 
ing, having the love, and sweetening evidence 
of Truth with it, reaching the witness in their 
hearts ; yet when the eyes of such so reached, 
were turned to behold the steps and conduct of 
the libertine professors among us, they were 
stumbled by their example; and such were an 
offence to the little ones, and their portion by 
way of comparison is hinted at by our Lord, 
when he says, Matt, xviii. 6 : But whoso shall 
offend one of these little ones who believe in me, 
it were better for him that a millstone were 
hanged about his neck, and that he were drown- 
ed in the depth of the sea. From thence we 
went to Westbury, and Lavington meetings, 
and to the quarterly-meeting for Wiltshire held 
at Devizes, which began on the first day of the 
week, two meetings for public worship, and one 
in the evening for ministers and elders, and 
next day for worship and business : but I could 
see no time, nor room to clear myself to advan- 
tage for want of more stillness. The service of 
meetings may be hurt for want of silence, and 
the minds of the people become too unsettled to 
understand and hear to profit. In a sense 
whereof, I left this place with an heavy heart, 
and went to Chippenham, Corsham, Charlcot, 
and Melksham meetings, besides which had 
three evening meetings, one at Pickwick in a 
school house belonging to Thomas Bennet, with 
his boarding scholars and others ; one at John 



110 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

Fry's of Sutton Benjar, and the other at Sa- 
muel Rutty's : some of which were good meet- 
ings. Then leaving Wiltshire we passed 
through Bradford, and Bath, and came to Bris- 
tol on the twenty- second of the month ; where 
I tarried until first day, the seventh of the eighth 
month, constantly attending their meetings as 
they came in course, and visiting several fami- 
lies as truth opened my way. My mind and 
spirit were bowed very low in this city, under 
a sense of too general a declension and falling 
away from truth, into pride, high-mindedness, 
and the spirit of the world, and a conformity to 
the vain customs and fashions thereof, of which 
I frequently made mention amongst them. I 
w r as at their two weeks meeting for business, 
and quarterly- meeting for inspecting the affairs 
of truth ; and laboured much to encourage them 
to hold weekly meetings for ministers and el- 
ders, in order to inquire how meetings for wor- 
ship were attended by public friends, and whe- 
ther their ministry was acceptable, and the lives 
and conversations of ministers and elders cor- 
respondent with their doctrine and profession ; 
which care they had dropped for some time. I 
was at sixteen meetings in this city, and one at 
Frenchay, and visited Anthony Purver s board- 
ing school at that place ; and being easy to 
leave Bristol for the present, we went to Chew- 
magna in Somersetshire ; and after dining at 
John Hipsley's, had a religious opportunity in 
his family, and the next day a meeting at Por- 
tishead, and an evening meeting at James 
Players ; then to Claverham, Sidcot, and Mark, 
some of which were good meetings. A few el- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. Ill 

derly friends here live near truth, and there was 
a visitation to the youth, several of whom ap- 
peared tender and growing in religion ; though 
many professors are seeking after the gain, 
love, and friendship of the world, not enough 
considering, that Godliness with contentment is 
the best gain. Our next meeting was at Bridge- 
water, then at Taunton, and were comforted to- 
gether with friends in their morning and after- 
noon meetings. In the divine presence there 
is life, and the living are made able to praise 
the Lord who is worthy. From thence passing 
to Minehead, Milverton, Wellington, Spice- 
land, Columpton, having a meeting at each 
place, we cafne to Exeter in Devonshire, and 
attended three meetings there on first day, in 
each of which I had something to offer ; but was 
much depressed under an apprehension of the 
prevalence of adeistical spirit over some ; which, 
with the indifference of others about religion, 
and a light forward zeal in some others, with- 
out the deep, inward, baptizing knowledge of 
Truth, occasion the pure and ever blessed power 
thereof to be at a low ebb in that city. When 
the children of the Lord know him their Re- 
deemer to live by his heavenly power in them, 
they know also that thereby they live, and feel- 
ingly know his Truth and the precious testimo- 
ny ; and by this knowledge are influenced with 
an holy, humble zeal, in love and meekness to 
work in his vineyard the church, to the honou* 
of God, and the edification and restoration one 
of another. 

Leaving Exeter, we went to Topsham and 
had a dark dull meeting ; and staying at a 



112 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

friends house to dine, one at the table, who, as 
I understood, could not spare time to attend the 
meeting, asked me if I was ever in New Eng- 
land, and whether I could inform him what sort 
of a country it was ? for, added he, I have heard 
people say that the corn, that is wheat, will 
not ripen there, but is smitten with a rotting 
mildew which blasts the wheat in the ear. I 
suddenly felt that I had need of being careful 
in answering, but knew not why. I answered 
with caution, that I had seen wheat in that 
country which looked to be well grown, but in 
the ear where grain should be, there was little 
else but a black smut in form of a grain. I have 
heard, said he, that it would bear full, good 
wheat formerly, and what can now be the cause 
why it is blasted, didst thou ever hear ? On 
which I related to him a passage which I had 
heard, viz. Two persons being in Boston had 
a curiosity to see the old prison, from whence 
those friends were led to the place of execution 
who were hanged at Boston for their religious 
testimony and principles; and an inhabitant of 
the town going with them, brought them to the 
prison, and oneybf the men said to their guide, 
is this the old fail where the friends lay who 
were hanged ? An old woman who sat knitting 
at the door, though not spoken to, answered yes 
it is, and we feelingly know it, for a curse has 
been on the land ever since, so that it will not 
bear wheat without a blasting, and we are be- 
holden to other colonies for bread. He replied 
with an air of jesting, I have heard so, but I be- 
lieve nothing of it. I told him we might ob- 
serve, that the Almighty had sometimes mani- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 113 

fested his displeasure on a people or nation by 
famine, the sword, or pestilence, for their trans- 
gressions, if we had a belief in the sacred writ- 
ings of the Old Testament. He said, it could 
not be, that the Almighty who is love in perfec- 
tion, and in himself infinitely happy for ever, 
should delight in severity, and take vengeance 
on man the workmanship of his hand: some 
who are narrow in their way of thinking may 
believe such things, but for his part, he had 
ideas more noble of the Deity than to believe 
such notions. By which I perceived he was a 
deist, and did not regard the Scriptures, and 
that it would be vain to say much to him : 
having often thought it was very difficult to say 
any thing to reach those sort of low freethink- 
ers, who exercise themselves in the wisdom 
which is from beneath, and dwell safely in their 
own imaginations and conceits ; whose commu- 
nication is often infectious to others, and to be 
perceived in the meetings and neighbourhoods 
where they reside. 

From thence we went to Bovy, Newton- 
Bushel, Totness, and Kingsbridge. At the 
last, after the morning and afternoon meetings, 
we had one in the evening with friends selected, 
which was to satisfaction ; and hearing of one 
family that lived many miles from any meeting, 
I had a desire to see them, and went thither. I let 
the friend know, that I came there on purpose to 
see him and his family, and should be glad to 
have them come together and be still a little 
while, desiring it might be soon, for we intended 
to go that night to Plymouth ; he said it would 
not answer them at that time, his children being 



fl4 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

employed in pressing out cider. I let him know, 
that I hoped I should not detain them long, and 
if they lightened the press, the cider would not 
run over; but could not prevail with him, though 
I informed him, that I had left all my business, 
and had come some thousand miles to see my 
friends in this nation, and hearing how remote 
he lived from meeting, had a particular mind to 
see him. He replied that he should be glad it 
had suited them, but could not put his business 
by at that time : so, with a heavy heart, I left 
his house, and went to Plymouth, where we had 
a meeting the next day. Then to Germains, 
Liscard, Looe, Austil, and Denny's in Corn- 
wall, at which last place the people are mostly 
employed in the tin mines, and we had a pretty 
good meeting ; a visit from a friend being ac- 
ceptable to them, and they willing to leave their 
business, though poor people. From hence we 
proceeded pretty direct to the Land's End, in- 
tending to take the meetings on our return, and 
were at Penzance meeting on sixth day. At 
this meeting my companion, John Pemberton, 
spake a few words in way of testimony, tender 
and broken, being the first time; and I thought 
had a good degree of the savour of Truth at- 
tending: and on seventh day, went to visit an 
ancient friend, sick and bed-rid, near the Land's 
End, where formerly there had been a meeting, 
and returned in the evening to Penzance. On 
first day had a meeting at Marazion in the 
morning, and at Penzance in the evening. We 
then turned eastward, and attended a meeting 
at Falmouth, and five others in this county of 
Cornwall 5 then passed through Devonshire, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 115 

taking a meeting at Oakhampton, and twelve 
others in Somersetshire, some of which were 
large and open, for there came many seeking 
people to the meetings at Bridgewater, and I 
hope some of those opportunities were through 
Divine favour profitable to some of them : and 
not being easy in my mind to leave this county 
without being at the quarterly-meeting for bu- 
siness to be held at Glastonbury, I returned 
thither, and was concerned to lay before friends 
the declining state of the society in that county, 
and to exhort them to put the discipline in prac- 
tice, that the church might be cleared from dis- 
orders, which caused reproach. It was thought 
by friends to be the most solid quarterly -meet- 
ing which had been held in that county for many 
years. From thence we went to Cain in Wilt- 
shire, being about fifty miles, and were at their 
meeting on first day the sixteenth of the tenth 
month, where we met our friend and country- 
man Daniel Stanton, from Philadelphia, in the 
course of his religious visit, and were glad in 
each other's company; though the meetings 
both forenoon and afternoon were but dull, the 
people looking for words were disappointed. 
The next day we went together to a monthly- 
meeting at Chippenham ; the meeting for wor- 
ship was held in the meeting-house, at the con- 
clusion of which friends rose and went out. I 
asked them where they were going, for I felt 
very uneasy ; they said to do the business of 
the meeting : and feeling a strong engagement 
to be with them while they transacted the affairs 
of the church, I followed them, though it rained 
very fast. They went into a spacious house 



116 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

where a room was prepared for the purpose, and 
a good fire. I sat down with theui, though 
sorely distressed; they seemed to do the busi- 
ness in a formal ready way. I endeavoured to 
press them to weightiness of spirit, that they 
might feel the state of the society, and the need 
there was to put the discipline in practice, for 
religion was at a low ebb in that county. They 
seemed not to understand me, and indeed I 
found but little room or openness to say much 
to them ; they soon finished their business. 
When I rose up and moved for going away, 
they informed me that friends staid to dine 
where the business was transacted, and that the 
friends of the house would think it very strange 
if I went away : so they told the woman that 
the friend was going away. She met me in the 
hall, and said, I must not go before I took din- 
ner ; I told her I should, for that I had not free- 
dom to stay to eat or drink in the house : she ask- 
ed me why? I pressingly desired her to inquire 
of the Truth in her own heart and she might 
find the cause, so I went away, and a friend fol- 
lowed me out, and shewed me the way to his 
house where I left my horse; and there I found 
Daniel Stanton, and my companion J. P. who 
went not to the meeting for business. Daniel 
informed me, that he followed us to the door, 
but could not go in, for he thought he felt the 
life of Truth struck at, or trampled upon in 
that house, and therefore returned to the other 
where we had left our horses, and J. P. with 
him. I was glad that he had such a sense, and 
he expressed satisfaction that I did not stay to 
dine, so we dined together; after which Daniel 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 117 

went westward, and we towards London, tak- 
ing several meetings in our way, and arrived 
there the thirty-first of the tenth month, and 
tarried in the city until the twenty-fifth of the 
eleventh month. In the meantime I carefully 
visited all the meetings in great awfulness, be- 
ing bowed in spirit under a sense of a forward 
ministry, and sat chiefly in silence among them. 
I also attended their meetings for discipline, 
namely, one quarterly-meeting, the monthly, 
two weeks, second day morning meetings, and 
meeting for sufferings ; and was in much heavi- 
ness of mind; having a sense of a great neglect 
in some who were active members, in not wait- 
ing for a true qualification to act for the honour 
of God and edification of the church. Never- 
theless, there is a remnant who are concerned 
to seek his honour, and to wait for the influence 
of his Divine Spirit and Power; to whom I 
was, at times, concerned to speak by way of 
encouragement. To transact the weighty affairs 
of the church in as light and easy a manner as 
men commonly buy and sell in a market, will 
always rather bring death over a meeting than 
life, 

We left London on the twenty-sixth of the 
eleventh month, and went to Chelmsford in 
Essex ; and the next day sat with friends in 
their forenoon and afternoon meetings to pretty 
good satisfaction; through the goodness and 
power of the Lord, whose presence was measu- 
rably felt among us to the praise of his ever 
worthy name. Then taking meetings as regu- 
larly as we could, we visited that county in 
twenty-four days, and had twenty-three public 



118 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

meetings, and some family sittings. My ser- 
vice for Truth in this county was in a close plain 
way, mostly with but few words: for it often 
appeared to me, that there was a greater desire 
to hear, than to put in practice those things they 
were exhorted to, for which I often mourned, 
and had a strong sympathy with the few sensi- 
ble, baptised friends amongst them. For bre- 
vity sake I close this general account without 
further remark. 

We then passed to Ipswich in Suffolk, and 
had a meeting; with friends there to some satis- 
faction, there being a tender sincere remnant 
among them : and taking the east part of the 
county, we had ten meetings, and visited several 
indisposed friends to good satisfaction. Then 
went to Yarmouth in Norfolk, and after attend- 
ing their meetings in the morning and afternoon 
on first day, had a large satisfactory one the same 
evening, many of the people of the town coming 
to it : then going to Norwich we tarried with 
friends there about a week, in which time I had 
four meetings in that city, and one at Lammas 
near it, and also visited divers indisposed 
friends, and had satisfaction therein. Intending 
to visit all the meetings in Norfolk county, a 
friend undertook to lav them out for me. and made 
a list of them, of which he gave me a copy, and 
told me, it was the way to take the meetings 
with the least travelling : but I felt a strait in 
ray mind, which I had always found safe to at- 
tend to until I saw T a way open, and being 
thoughtful about it, I desired him to inform me, 
what meeting bore most to the north-east from 
that place j he told me it was North-Walsam. I 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 119 

desired liim to begin there, and name the meet- 
ings most regular afterwards, and I would tell 
him if the list felt pleasant as he went on ; he 
then proceeded, and we readily finished one 
which was easy to me. When I desired him 
to set down the distances as he had done in the 
other, and on comparing them, we found the last 
to be at least three miles less riding. He seem- 
ed to be pleased, and said it was not the usual 
way of taking those meetings. I was willing 
to lay out nine, but told him, I was not fully 
easy to venture the giving public notice further, 
that perhaps the weather might be difficult : he 
said there would be a general meeting in a few 
days, when friends from many meetings would 
be together, and likely to have full notice very 
easily given for a few meetings further, which 
he thought I had best leave to him : so we went 
forward to North- Walsam, and had a satisfactory 
meeting, and taking the meetings in course, came 
to the quarterly- meeting of ministers and elders 
at Norwich. The friend who laid out the meet- 
ings informed me, that if I had taken them ac- 
cording to his first list, I should have interfered 
with a public friend at several, who was then 
on a visit, and he thought there was a hand of 
providence remarkable in turning me ; for as 
we were both strangers, we should have been 
straitened through a tender regard to each others 
service. He likewise let me know, that he 
did not remember that their quarterly- meeting 
began the next day after the meeting beyond 
which I told him I was not free to appoint any; 
and that having sent the list to a friend to publish 
at the general meeting before mentioned, he had 



120 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

been obliged to attend that meeting to stop the 
notice respecting the few meetings he talked 
of; otherwise I should have missed the quar- 
terly-meeting, and he thought it would teach 
him to be more cautious in future. I mention 
this occurrence with a degree of reverent thank- 
fulness and humility, with no other view than 
to encourage those ministers who are called forth 
to visit the churches, to diligently and innocent- 
ly attend to the motion of truth ; which the 
more we are humbled and inwardly quiet, the 
clearer it is understood and felt : but as this is 
instruction for ourselves, it is safer for us to trea- 
sure it up in our own hearts, than to make it 
too cheap by talking thereof to others. This 
quarterly-meeting, both in respect to public wor- 
ship and transacting the affairs of truth, was 
held to satisfaction, through the Lord's favour, 
who will be near to them that diligently seek 
him, blessed be his name for ever ! 

Then taking Eliingham meeting, we went to 
Thetford, and had a meeting with friends there, 
both which were distressing, from a sense of 
the prevalence of a ranting spirit. Here it ap- 
peared expedient to lay out meetings for the 
ensuing week, in order that suitable notice 
might be given ; and as they were named to me 
in course by friends, I felt a remarkable desire to 
see the friends of one certain meeting by them- 
selves, at or near the eleventh hour of the day, 
although quite a stranger to their situation, num- 
bers, or state : and a friend being present be- 
longing to that meeting, I requested her care 
about it, and then went home with Richard 
Brewster to Edmondsbury, and attended the 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN, Ul 

meetings there on the first day morning and af- 
ternoon, which were in the main satisfactory, 
and in the evening had a meeting with a sick 
friend. In this town there is a considerable 
number of hopeful friends. We then went to 
Ratlesden, Bardwell, and through Livermore 
to Brand, the place where I had the desire to 
see friends by themselves, as before mentioned ; 
and coming to the friend's house whose wife had 
been intrusted with the notice, I asked her if it 
was not time to go to the meeting, she said, 
thou must ask my husband, appearing to be 
distressed. I asked where he was, she replied 
in his warehouse, and sent for him ; he coming 
after a while, I suppose about twelve o'clock, I 
asked him the time of the meeting, he answered 
at six in the evening ; to be sure. I told him, 
that I had informed his wife of my desire that it 
should be at eleven ; he replied, she said so but 
I thou ght it would be dishonourable, for few only 
would attend it at that time ; for the people of 
that town were chiefly such as were obliged to 
do their days' work, which would be finished at 
six in the evening, when the house would be 
nearly full. I told him, I did desire to see 
friends by themselves, and supposed they could 
meet at any hour. He granted that they could 
have met at the time proposed ; but said, he was 
a man of a more liberal spirit than to want to 
eat his morsel alone, but was desirous his neigh- 
bours should partake with him, and thought it 
his duty to endeavour to inform and help those 
whom he apprehended were backward or igno- 
rant in the performance of their duty ; and he 
said, that the end and intent of ministers going 

L 



l&Z THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

forth was to publish the gospel, and he thought, 
to the more the better. I let him know that it 
was necessary for those who were called to the 
work of the ministry, to know r also to whom 
they were called, or otherwise they might be 
mistaken, and go north instead of south, or to a 
different nation or country. He answered, that 
he believed if they were rightly called, the spirit 
would inform them where they were to go. I 
replied very well, and when they are come to 
the right place, the spirit would let them know r 
what they have to do ; he said, I believe so too. 
Whereupon I told him, if I knew the language 
of that spirit that called me from my native 
land to Old-England, it was the same that in- 
clined me to see the friends of that town by them- 
selves ; and afterwards if I felt an enlargement 
of mind, could have proposed a public meeting 
with the townspeople in the evening. And 
why not one opportunity for both? he queried, 
adding " for I should be willing that all the 
town might hear what thou canst have to say to 
us." I then said to him, " if a certain great 
person on whom thy prosperity in all things 
temporal did absolutely depend, should in sin- 
gular kindness to thee, send a messenger to ac- 
quaint or advise thee of some matter relating to 
thyself in thy own particular conduct, in which 
thy prosperity, peace, and interest would, with- 
out thy immediate care, be nearly affected, 
wouldst thou judge it prudent to say to the am- 
bassador of such a friend, deliver not thy mes- 
sage to me, until I call my neighbours and the 
people of the town to hear it, and so expose thy 
own weakness to thy disadvantage, without be- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 123 

nefit to thy neighbours? Consider it carefully; 
my heart yearns to the professors of Truth in 
this town, and it seems to me that my business at 
present was only with them, and as I can't have 
an opportunity according to my freedom and 
desire, I shall hold myself excused." He an- 
swered, if nothing but a meeting with friends 
will do, we must send them word to come to- 
gether as soon as they can. I told him, that 
would now by no means do ; for he was at pre- 
sent so chafed in his mind that he could not 
hear to much advantage. He then asked me 
what end would be answered by my coming 
there? I told him, to detect such heady un- 
sound members as he was, that thought it dis- 
honourable for a few friends to meet together 
to worship Grod, though their number was no 
more than two or three, to whom the promise 
was. He said, then what will become of the 
meeting? I let him know he must look to 
that, who had without orders headily appoint- 
ed it, and so left him; and went to Milden- 
hall, where a friend told me, that he being at 
the meeting aforesaid when public notice was 
given, that it was on this wise : Friends and 
neighbours ! " Please to take notice that a friend 
from America desires a public meeting here on 
Wednesday next, at six o'clock in the evening," 
which circumstance I did not know when I was 
at his house. On the whole I had inward peace 
in my observations and conduct to this man, and 
many friends rejoiced; for several had been 
overborn by him to their grief; and I was since 
informed, that he somewhat laid the matter to 
heart, and was often heard to say, that he would 



1£4 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

not serve any friend so again. After which we 
had many meetings in this county ; and passing 
into Cambridgeshire had eight meetings therein, 
and I thought the life of religion was low in 
general, though there are a few tender friends 
in several places. We then went to divers 
meetings in Huntingdonshire, Northampton- 
shire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire ; in which 
it was mostly my lot to point out to friends the 
danger they were in, of losing the pure savour of 
Truth, for want of humbly attending to the dic- 
tates thereof in their own hearts, which had al- 
ready occasioned a dwarfishness among the 
professors in those parts. Several friends met 
us at Waltham Abbey from London, with whom 
we went to that city in order to attend the yearly- 
meeting, which began on the twenty- sixth, and 
ended on the sixth day of the week, the thirty- 
first of the third month, 1751 ; and in the seve- 
ral sittings thereof, both for public worship and 
the transaction of the affairs of Truth, was 
thought, by many, to be the most weighty and 
solid meeting that had been known for many 
years : which was cause of humbling rejoicing 
and deep thankfulness to many friends, in that 
the Lord had vouchsafed his heavenly presence 
in wisdom and power, to the praise of his sacred 
name. Several friends staying in the city after 
the meeting was over, we had a large and satis- 
factory one on the seventh day of the week, and I 
tarried, attending divers meetings until the sixth 
of the fourth month; then went to Chelmsford, 
and sat with friends in their morning and after- 
noon meetings on first day, find from thence to 
the yearly-meeting at Colchester; but being 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 12? 

taken ill of a fever was prevented attending 
more than one sitting of that meeting; yet 
through mercy was resigned and had peace. 
Staid their meeting in that town on the fifth day 
of the week, and the next day sat forward with 
my brother William Brown, John Griffith, and 
my companion, in order to attend Woodbridge 
yearly- meeting, which began on the seventeenth 
of the month ; and although the fever had not 
left me, I was enabled to attend every sitting 
of it, which was a large and solid meeting 
throughout, and friends were refreshed toge- 
ther; praised be the Lord! whose mercy is 
great to his people. My companion J. P. went 
with my brother to some adjacent meeting, but 
I staid the week day meeting in this town, 
which was through Divine favour satisfactory. 
We met again at the yearly- meeting at Nor- 
wich in a few days, which concluded to satis- 
faction, and friends were made truly thankful 
to the Lord for this additional favour. We 
spent a few days longer at this city, and at- 
tended their monthly -meeting; after which, 
having a desire to visit a few meetings in com- 
pany with my brother William Brown, where 
ranterism seemed to prevail, he having the like 
concern, we took a monthly-meeting at Wi- 
mondham, also the meetings at Matssil and El- 
lingham, in which we were concerned to use 
great plainness to clear ourselves on account of 
that ranting spirit: then went to Wareham, 
and had a precious meeting with the few friends 
of that place, and to a very large general meet* 
ing at Downham, many of other societies being 
there : and it became my concern to recite the 



126 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

words of our blessed Lord, John, v. 39, 40: 
Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye 
have eternal life, and they are they which tes- 
tify of me, and ye will not come to me that ye 
might have life. From whence I had to shew 
them the danger of trusting to information and 
knowledge, whether by reading the Scriptures, 
or hearing them preached, and neglecting to at- 
tend unto the inspeaking voice of Christ imme- 
diately in the heart ; which is the only sure in- 
terpreter of the Scriptures, leading those who 
attend to his instruction in the sure way to life 
eternal. Then parting with W. B. we went to 
Wisbich, and Thornyfenn in Cambridgeshire; 
and taking divers meetings in Lincolnshire, Ave 
passed into the East-Riding of Yorkshire ; in 
which we had twenty-four meetings ; and tak- 
ing eight in the county of Durham, we came to 
Shields in Northumberland, New-Castle, and 
Alnwick Abbey, and reached Kelso in Scotland 
on the first of the seventh month, where we met 
Susanna Fothergili on her return home. We 
attended the morning and afternoon meetings at 
Kelso, on first day. Alas! Truth is here at a 
low ebb; and feeling my mind not to be clear of 
friends in this place, I desired to have a select 
meeting with them; which Susanna and her 
companion attended, and we had an opportu- 
nity of clearing ourselves of friends there, who 
had much fallen from the simplicity of the pure 
Truth, into the modes, fashions, and customs of 
the world, in their dress, language, and man- 
tiers, and truth owned our service with a degree 
of its divine authority; blessed be the Lord, the 
GtoA of Truth ! We then went to a meeting at 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 127 

the house of John Cristy, at Orniston, to which 
many people came and behaved quietly, and the 
doctrine of Truth opened pretty freely to them ; 
from thence to a meeting at Edinburgh, in which 
I had a sense that silence was best, apprehend- 
ing the people had been too much fed with 
words ; after some time one stood up, and spake 
of the excellence of resignation in ministers to 
speak, or contentedly to be silent; to be any 
thing, or nothing, as the Lord was pleased to 
order ; but a secret distressing fear attended my 
mind, that he was not enough inwardly engaged 
to distinguish the order and motion of the Spirit 
of Truth, from the busy imagination and will of 
the creature, unsubjected to the Divine Spirit: 
and I found a concern to shew the nature of 
true resignation, and the low humble quiet that 
attended the minds of ministers, or hearers, who 
had come to the real knowledge of it. The de- 
sire of such was turned unto the Lord only for 
heavenly instruction, and an inward evidence of 
the life and motion of Truth ; for want of which, 
true gospel ministry was sometimes obstructed, 
and the reason of silence not fully understood. 
After I sat down, the same person again stood 
up, and in a flow of words and a zealous tone, 
said, that weakness, or the want of experience, 
led people to mistake both their own and the 
condition of others. As he appeared to me to 
be actuated by a confident, ranting spirit, my 
mind was greatly exercised after the meeting. 
I remained at this place the two following days, 
being detained by rainy weather, and attended 
the meeting in the morning of first day, at which 
I sat silent ; but the same person spake some- 



128 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

time in words very encouraging to the auditory, 
as if all was well with them, which tended to 
increase the exercise of my mind; having a very 
different sense of the state of the meeting. I 
again attended their meeting in the afternoon, 
when the same person seemed as if he intended 
soon to stand up ; but feeling the testimony of 
Truth strong against that forward ranting spi- 
rit, and the sense thereof being weighty upon 
me, I endeavoured to keep under it in patience, 
and soon the concern of that person began to 
diminish, and he to be drowsy : after which I 
had a favourable open time to clear my mind 
of the exercise that had been upon me. 

Next day we passed over the Firth about 
seven miles broad, landed at Kinghorn and 
rode to a town called Cowper, and the day fol- 
lowing reached to the house of one who esteem- 
ed himself a friend, near Montross, where we 
endeavoured to have a meeting ; but he would 
not allow it, alledging, that it would do his peo- 
ple or servants no good ; and as for himself, he 
thought he knew as much of the Truth as we 
could inform him ; and indeed he seemed so 
whole and self-righteous, I thought it would not 
avail to say much to him. We were informed 
by a person who accompanied us a few miles, 
that this man, in his younger years, had a pub- 
lic testimony to bear for the Truth, but had for 
a long time left it off, as he worded it, and now, 
his men servants must not approach him with 
their heads covered. If the light in you become 
darkness, how great is that darkness. From 
hence we went to Ury, the seat of Robert Bar- 
clay* grandson to the Apologist ; but had no 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 129 

meeting until we came to the Old-Town, near a 
mile north of Aberdeen, which was, through the 
goodness of the Lord, somewhat strengthening ; 
from thence went to John Elmslie's at Old-Mel- 
drum; and on first day morning attended Kill- 
muck meeting, and in the evening one at Old- 
Meldrum, to which many people came, and, 
through divine favour, these meetings were sa- 
tisfactory. The next day we had a select meet- 
ing with friends, of whom there are several 
here, tender and valuable, and we parted in 
love ; and going to Kingswells had a meeting 
there with many friends and others, truth own- 
ing the service, which was cause of humble re- 
joicing. Continuing at and near Aberdeen, we 
had a large meeting on first day at Robert Bar- 
clay's. Although the descendants and children 
of friends, who were as bright stars in their day, 
may value themselves on the worthiness of their 
parents ; yet if they do not love and serve the 
God of their fathers with a perfect heart and an 
upright mind, he will not own them with his 
heavenly presence, but they will be as unsa- 
voury salt. 

We then set forward on our return towards 
England, taking two meetings in our way to 
Glasgow, where, on first day, we had also two 
which were large, open and satisfactory ; to 
which many tender inquiring people came, who 
behaved well ; and in the evening of the same 
day, had another with those called friends by 
themselves ; having a concern to lay before 
them the need they had to look to their ways and 
conversation, that they might be as lights and 
good examples among the people in that place, 



130 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

who were seekers after the Truth, and not give 
them occasion of stumbling through an evil con- 
duct. Then passing to Carlisle in Cumberland, 
Morehouse, Scoby, Solport and Kirklington, in 
most of which meetings truth seemed to be pro- 
fessed, but too few had the life thereof in pos- 
session, which occasions hard dry meetings. 
We rode to Cornwood in Northumberland, and 
lodged at the house of a man who had been for 
several years of a disorderly conduct, and much 
given to the excessive use of strong drink, until 
he had very much impaired his constitution ; but 
it pleased the Lord to open his understanding, 
and make him acquainted with his blessed Truth, 
whereby he was made free from that evil, and 
received strength to forsake his old companions ; 
but his joining with friends was a great grief to 
his wife, who informed me, that through preju- 
dice for a time, she would rather he had conti- 
nued his former course of living than to become 
a Quaker ; until observing the sweetness of his 
temper and the recovery of his health in some 
degree, with a solid and sober conduct, she was 
reached, and made to believe in the power by 
which he had known such a victory, and joined 
herself in the same religious profession : they 
appeared to be steady friends. I would to God, 
thai all tipplers and drunkards would turn to 
that great prophet which is in Israel, that they 
might by him be cleansed from that leprosy of 
sin ! We had a comfortable meeting the next 
day in his house, with his neighbours and some 
friends ; and on first day were at Allondale 
meeting, where are some solid friends, though 
others much tainted with a spirit of ranterism, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN, 131 

which is a confident, self-righteous spirit and 
very hard to be won upon. After having a 
meeting at Aldstinmoor, we passed to the meet- 
ings at Penrith in Cumberland, Terril, and 
Strickland which is in a corner of Westmore- 
land. It was with some difficulty we had the 
meeting at Terril, a man at that place saying, 
lie thought it needless, or questioned whether it 
would be to advantage, as most of their mem- 
bers had been at Penrith meeting ; but after the 
meeting he desired that I would not take it hard 
of him for endeavouring to discourage me, own- 
ing that he was mistaken ; w hereupon I cau- 
tioned him to be more careful in future how he 
discouraged such who had come so many thou- 
sand miles to visit them. Having meetings at 
divers places in the week following, I travelled 
in great pain and anguish of mind, from a sense 
of the prevalence of a dark, deistical spirit over 
many of the professors of truth; of which con- 
cern the Lord was pleased to give me strength 
and understanding to clear myself both in pub- 
lic and private. There is no power but his, that 
can enable his servants to do his work, and is 
over all the powers of Satan. On the next 
first day we were at Holme meeting ; in the 
forenoon I sat silent, one of the stock of the old 
ranters was there and very troublesome, accus- 
ing many friends no doubt falsely ; and in the 
afternoon meeting I had not much to say, be- 
lieving that old ranting spirit is rather fed with 
words, and delights in contention ; but found it 
my place to exhort friends to retire deeply in- 
ward in all their meetings, humbly waiting to 
be admitted into the heavenly presence, to know 



152 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

their place of feeding to be out of the reach of 
such ranting spirits ; for if they suffered their 
own spirits to rise or resent their ill usage, the 
meeting would be the more disquieted. Our next 
meetings were at Allonby and Broughton, from 
whence I went home with our friend Christo- 
pher Wilson to his house at Graysothen, and 
the next day attend the burial of a young man 
at Pardsay Hall, and the day following the bu- 
rial of a young woman at the same place ; both of 
which meetings were very large and solid, and I 
hope through divine goodness profitable to many. 
The first day of the following week we were at 
two meetings at Whitehaven, in both which I 
had some service under the influence and own- 
ing of truth. We put up our horses at a friend's 
house who had been used to lodge public 
friends, but I was not free to tarry there, being 
burthened with his conduct in the manner of 
his entertainment, which was even to superflu- 
ity and grandeur, no way becoming the simpli- 
city of truth ; so after shewing my dislike 
therewith I went to the house of John Harris 
at Highfield, his wife being with us, and rested 
there a day, the weather being exceeding rainy; 
then going to the meetings at Cockermouth, 
Isel, and Graysothen, we returned to Cocker- 
mouth and had a meeting with friends by them- 
selves, that is, without giving public notice, 
which was through Divine favour to good satisfac- 
tion. Resting another day with our friend John 
Harris, we went to meetings at Pardsay Hall, 
and at Keswick, at which last I was concerned 
to exhort the few friends there to keep up their 
week day meeting, having a fear they were very 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 133 

slack on that account. We lodged at an Inn, 
where we had the company of some of those 
friends, and in particular one who was a public 
friend; some of them said, if he would attend 
the week day meeting, they believed the rest of 
them would; which gave me occasion to ob- 
serve to him, that he did not example well, and 
ought to be more careful, as he had a public 
testimony to bear for Truth ; he replied, that 
he was obliged to be industrious to support his 
family ; but at last confessed, that, " He did 
not like to sit with so few friends, for none else 
would come on a week day, and it was very 
dull and poor sitting ; aud he liked to sit in 
meetings where there were many assembled, 
for then he had something to say, so life did 
arise and all were comforted and edified." By 
which it appeared that he had greater satisfac- 
tion in preaching than in humble silent waiting 
to experience the worship which is performed 
in Spirit and Truth, to edification and comfort. 
I told him that I feared he was too much a 
stranger to pure religion and the nature of di- 
vine worship. 

From thence we went to Hawkshead, in 
Lancashire, and had an evening meeting there 
in a friend's house, and next day were at the 
Hight meeting, and then at Swarthmoor where 
George Fox formerly lived : though it had been 
famous for the prosperity of Truth, it is now at 
a low state there. We then went to Kendal in 
Westmorelaad, where we attended their two 
meetings on the first day of the week ; and 
after taking some other meetings in the neigh- 
bourhood, returned to that town ; in and about 

M 



134 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

which we tarried several days, and visited more 
than twenty families and attended ten public 
meetings, many of which opportunities were 
made precious through the goodness and great 
condescension of our Lord and Saviour: and in 
the school of our friend Thomas Rebanks I had 
an extraordinary meeting ; where many young 
folks not of our society were reached by the 
power of Truth, which was comfortably over 
all, praised be the Lord for ever. In the course 
of our visiting families here, during our silent 
sitting in one of them, my mind was much taken 
up in thinking of a watch, and the several 
w r heels and movements thereof, until I was 
grieved at such trifling thoughts, as I esteemed 
them ; when suddenly there appeared some- 
thing instructive therein, and I had a freedom 
to say, the several parts thereof seemed to re- 
present the excellent inward faculties and gifts 
bestowed on man ; and that though the wheels, 
&c. of a watch were truly made, and placed in 
their proper order, there must be a main spring 
to give them motion ; so the gifts and faculties 
of men must have their main spring and cause 
of motion to every good work, a zeal to the 
honour of the Lord their Creator, and a fer- 
vent holy desire to answer the end of their 
creation. And as there is a regulating spring to 
a watch, so also there should be the true know- 
ledge of God and of themselves experienced in 
his light, to preserve from going too fast; know- 
ing by his heavenly instruction, that no wisdom, 
zeal, strength, or ability, will enable to do the 
Lord's work to his honour and the good of man, 
but that which God giveth. And in order that 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 135 

a watch may answer the end intended by its 
maker, there is a visible face and hands to dis- 
cover the inward motion, thereby shewing time; 
so it is needful that a man should be a co-worker 
with the spirit and gift of grace in his inward 
part, that others beholding the light thereof 
might be taught to glorify God, and in his light 
so to number his days and walk in his fear, as 
to die in his favour. As a zeal for the cause of 
Truth, and a fear of falling short of duty, may 
at times prompt man to rush on too fast, it is 
needful that he should wait in humble reverence 
to feel the love of God, and the influence of that 
knowledge and wisdom which is from above, 
and experienced by those who are spiritual ; 
that the end of all their labour may be in the 
spirit of meekness to restore those who are over- 
taken in error; and that men may ever dwell in 
mat which gives ability to labour with success 
in the church of Christ, it is needful that their 
minds should be inclosed in the bosom of Truth, 
in humble retirement, to be preserved from the 
various tumults, cumbers, cares, and temptations 
of the world, which would otherwise clog their 
minds and deprive them of their true spiritual 
sense and motion : and so in a watch it is need- 
ful that all the inward parts, which are so cu- 
rious, should be inclosed from damps, vapours, 
motes, and dust, otherwise it would thereby be 
deprived of its motion, and become useless for 
keeping time. 

My intent in this relation is to shew the in- 
finite condescension of him whose mercy is over 
all his works, to instruct the children of men, 
each as it were, in his own tongue, or language 



136 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

suitable to his understanding; the man being 
by trade a watchmaker, and seemed to be ten- 
derly reached, and we parted in a degree of 
sweetness. It was the Lord's doing, and mar- 
vellous to me, praised be his holy name for 



ever 



Being clear of Kendal, we took leave of 
friends in much affection, and went to a general 
meeting at Brigflatts in Yorkshire, and to visit 
our friend Alice Alderson, who had been on a 
religious visit in our country with Margaret 
Cowpland, whom we had before seen at Ken- 
dal where she lives. Alice was glad to see us, 
and we found her tender in spirit and strong in 
her love to friends. After attending meetings 
at Ravonstonedale and Grisedale, we rode to 
our friend John Burton's, who with his compa- 
nion William Backhouse, had also been in our 
country on a religious visit : we rejoiced to see 
him and were comforted by his grave conversa- 
tion and conduct. We then went to a meeting 
at Dent, which was large and favoured by the 
overshadowing of Truth in a good degree, in the 
loving kindness of our Lord who is worthy of 
all praise for ever ! Then taking several meet- 
ings in Lancashire, and tarrying two days with 
our friend William Backhouse, which was an 
acceptable rest to us, the weather being very 
cold, the ways bad and we weary, we came to 
Lancaster, and had an opportunity of visiting 
our friend Lydia Lancaster, who several years 
past had visited our country. Her faculties 
of mind and love to friends appeared fresh 
and strong. From thence, attending divers 
other meetings in that county, we went to our 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 137 

Mend Samuel Fothergill's at Warrington, where 
we continued from the second to the fourteenth 
of the first month, new-style, 1752; he and 
Susanna his wife being tender and kindly 
affectionate, we were refreshed in their com- 
pany, having several meetings in that town aud 
at Penketh, some whereof were made precious 
by the ownings of Truth. After many other 
meetings in this county and Yorkshire, we 
reached Richmond and had a meeting with 
friends there, and next morning set forward 
with a guide for Masham, in order to attend a 
meeting there, of which friends had previous 
notice ; the distance was near sixteen miles, the 
days short, and roads deep and miry. After 
we had rode five or six miles, I desired our 
guide to mend his pace, fearing we should be 
late ; a little further we came to a place where 
the roads parted, and he taking the left hand I 
became uneasy, and asked him if he perfectly 
knew the way ; he said, he thought he did ; I 
let him know my being in doubt about it, and 
desired him to inquire of a man Ave saw in a 
field at some distance ; but he rode on yet fast- 
er ; when I told him that I was persuaded we 
had almost turned our backs on the way we 
should go, at which he smiled. When we had 
gone about a mile, seeing a man by the way 
side at work, I asked him if that was the way 
to Masham, he replied, nay, for you have left 
it and must go back unless your horses can leap 
over ditches very well, you may then save a 
mile, and pointing over a field shewed us a 
moor, on the other side whereof our right road 
was. Our guide set forward, we followed with 
m % 



138 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

some difficulty over the ditches, and he rode on 
a gallop and soon left us. My mind inclined 
me to vary from his course, and espying a gate, 
called to him, pointing to it and proceeded thi- 
ther, on which he turned and came up, but said 
he believed we were wrong. I let him know 
that my mind was easy to go that way, and in a 
while we came into a road at a public house, 
which he knew to be right; so we just reached 
the meeting in time, which through Divine fa- 
vour was profitable and edifying. I mention 
this passage with no other view than to encou- 
rage friends to be inward in their minds, and to 
regard the secret sense which the pure spirit of 
Truth sometimes gives on particular occasions ; 
for want of an inward stillness and attention 
thereunto, the way is often missed in more re- 
spects than one. 

At Masham we lodged at the house of John 
Kelden, who related to me something that pass- 
ed between a knight of the shire and one of his 
tenants, a member of our religious society, in 
manner following, viz. 

Landlord. So John, you are busy ? 

Tenant. Yes, my landlord loves to see his 
tenants busy. 

Land. But John where was you that you was 
not at your quarterly-meeting at York the other 
day, I saw most of your staunch friends there, 
but you I missed ?* 

Ten. Why thou knowest I have a curious 
landlord, who loves to see his tenants thrive and 

* The assizes are held at York, always at the time of 
the quarterly-meeting. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 139 

pay their rent duly, and I had a good deal in 
hand that kept me at home. 

Land. Kept you at home ! You will neither 
thrive nor pay the better for neglecting your 
duty, John. 

Ten. Then I perceive my landlord was at 
quarterly-meeting, how didst thou like it. 

Land. Like it ! I was at one meeting and 
saw what made my heart ach. 

Ten. What was that ? 

Land. Why the dress of your young folks, 
the men with their wigs, and the young women 
with their finery, in imitation of fashions ; and 
I thought I would try another meeting. So next 
clay I went again, and then I concluded there was 
little difference but the bare name, between us 
whom you call the world's people, and some of 
you ; for you are imitating of us in the love and 
fashions of the world as fast as you can ; so that 
I said in my heart, these people do want a Fox, 
a Peiin, and a Barclay among them ; and so 
turned from his tenant. 

I thought it would be a pity that the true and 
solid remark of this great man should be lost, 
understanding that it was rather expressed in 
pity than derision. 

From Masham we proceeded to visit many 
other meetings in this county, in the course 
whereof we called to see good old John Richard- 
son, who was strong in spirit though feeble m 
body, and nearly blind through age, being about 
eighty-seven : and finding a draught to visit 
friends once more at Scarborough, we were 
there on first day the fifteenth of the third 
Sionth, and had peace in my owu aiiud, hay* 



140 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

ing done what I thought was my duty; but 
from a sense of the prevalence of pride, which 
had occasioned a great poverty as to true reli- 
gion among the professors of truth in that place, 
I left them with an aching heart, and went on 
our journey in order to attend the quarterly- 
meeting at York, taking meetings in our way 
at Pickering, Thornton In the Clay, and Huby. 
The several sittings of this quarterly-meeting 
were in the main satisfactory but not bavins: 
time fully to clear myself, did not leave York 
quite easy ; after which, having meetings at 
Clifforth, Leeds, Gildersham, Bradford, Raw- 
den, Asquith, Fairfield, Keighley, Skipton and 
Lothersdale, we rode to Settle ; and then to at- 
tend the quarterly- meeting at Lancaster, which 
began on the fifth day of the week with a meeting 
of ministers and elders, and was comfortable. 
Next day was the meeting for public worship 
and the discipline, wherein we were made to 
rejoice together and praise the name of the Lord 
who is worthy for ever; went home with our 
friend William Backhouse, and so to Kendal 
quarterly-meeting, which was satisfactory and 
very large ; then set out for the quarterly-meet- 
ing for Cumberland, held at Carlisle, which be- 
gan with a meeting of ministers and elders ; next 
day were held two public meetings, and the day 
following a meeting for the discipline, which end- 
ed in the afternoon with another for worship ; and 
going home with Christopher Wilson, we were 
at a good meeting at Pardsay Hall on first day. 
My mind had been for some time drawn to- 
wards Ireland, and being desirous to lose no 
time, we went to Whitehaven, several vessels 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 141 

being there nearly laden with coals for Dublin ; 
but on viewing the ships accompanied by seve- 
ral friends from Graysothen, I had no freedom 
to take a passage in either of them, at which I 
was much straitened, and inwardly turning my 
mind, Ireland was hid from my view ; and go- 
ing to the house of a friend we sat a while still, 
and I had freedom to let friends know that I had 
no prospect but the vessels might go their voy- 
age with safety, and did not decline a passage 
on that account ; but feeling a full stop in my 
mind, had no freedom to proceed any where at 
present, save to return with our friends John and 
Hannah Harris, to Highfield. We therefore 
returned with them, and attended Pardsay Hall 
monthly-meeting, where I had freedom to pro- 
pose that friends would enter on the service of 
visiting families. They informed me that some 
years before they had nominated friends for that 
service, but meeting with some discouragement 
they had not performed it ; and being about to 
turn over the book to see who were then ap- 
pointed, considering it was a long time since, 
they concluded it was better to proceed to a new 
choice, but seemed at a stand about naming 
friends then. I had a singular freedom to let 
them know, that although I was a stranger, I 
could point out some who I believed would an- 
swer the service if they would submit to it. Af- 
ter a solid pause, a friend said, as our friend has 
the matter before him I am free that he should 
choose for us ; to which I replied, that being a 
stranger to their members, one might be chosen 
who was under some impediment, and therefore 
it would be safer for the meeting to choose 5 but 



142 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

perceiving they were at a loss, I pointed out a 
few friends in great fear, with a single eve to 
the sense which 1 did believe truth gave me, 
and the clerk took their names ; a friend said 
he believed it was the truth which had made the 
choice. I then mentioned, that if they could 
soon enter upon the service, I found a freedom 
to accompany them therein, if friends had unity 
therewith, which several expressed, some wo- 
men friends being also named by their meeting 
to join in it. Before the service was much pro- 
ceeded in, a heavy concern came upon me from a 
secret sense I had, that one of them was under 
the censure of some, by which I feared her ser- 
vice would be laid waste, unless it could be re- 
moved ; and although I had no intimation of any 
thing of the kind from any person, I became 
heavily exercised, and at length requested a 
friend to invite the man and his wife to dine 
with him, who I apprehended were uneasy with 
the woman ; and I desired her and her husband 
to come to the same house in the afternoon, who 
accordingly came. Thus the parties being met 
unexpectedly to each other, I was humbled un- 
der the weight attending my mind ; and no others 
being present except the friend and his wife at 
whose house we were, I ventured to let them 
know the exercise I had been under some days, 
from an apprehension of a difference, or preju- 
dice subsisting between them ; which if not re- 
moved would devour like fire, by which I be- 
lieved they were already much affected ; but as 
I had not received information, more or less, 
I might be mistaken, and did not desire they 
should say any thing on the subject before ine, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 143 

but honestly confer on it between themselves 
first, and if it was so, remove the cause, and if 
nothing was amiss then to let me know, that I 
might be warned to be more cautious in future. 
Upon which I left them, and walked by myself 
about an hour, when the man of the house called 
me in, and they told me, that I was not mistaken, 
for that there had been a hardness subsisting 
for some time, which they hoped was now done 
away ; but when in the course of our visit, we 
came to the house of the friends who had been 
uneasy, I felt it as fresh as before, and told them 
I did believe they were not easy that the friend 
should go on in the service ; to which one of 
them answered, if she judges herself to be clear 
and others are easy I have no objection ; where- 
upon I asked what others were meant ; the man 
replied her husband and relations ; and as the 
matter rested upon me, it appeared that endea- 
vours ought to be used for reconciliation before 
we could with satisfaction proceed on our visit : 
and believing that the Lord had secretly en- 
gaged me, I hoped he would accompany and 
bless the labour for the restoration of peace, 
which in a few days he was pleased to accom- 
plish : and then we proceeded more cheerfully, 
and I think I may say that the Lord was with 
us, to the praise of his great eternal name, who 
is worthy for ever. 

We visited the families of friends in White- 
haven, Broughton, Cockermouth, Pardsay Hall, 
Eaglesfield and Graysothen, and others remote, 
and had several profitable public meetings in 
those towns and places adjacent. Having spent 
about seven weeks within the verge of Pardsay 



144 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

Hall monthly-meeting, and finding my mind 
clear, we went to Whitehaven and took passage 
in the ship Globe, James Grason, master, for 
Ireland, on the eighth of the sixth month, 1752, 
N. S. ; and parting with our dear friends in 
much love, set sail about the fifth hour in the 
evening, and landed at Dublin on the eleventh 
of the same month, and were kindly received at 
the house of Samuel Judd : as I was going to 
which, this secret hint was presented to my mind, 
" Live retired, and be not suddenly acquainted 
with any inan." After dinner our kind land- 
lord said, I do not well in that I have not in- 
formed friends of your arrival, they will blame 
me. I answered, let us first know that we are 
here, we have just come from sea and are weary ; 
for we had a troublesome passage by contrary 
winds and heavy rains, John Pemberton my 
companion having been very sea sick, and my- 
self a little so. The next day we attended 
Sycamore alley meeting, where we had the 
company of Susanna Hatton, who had been 
in America with Ruth Courtney. We were at 
eight meetings in Dublin, also at a monthly- 
meeting, and a quarterly-meeting for their young 
people ; in which I was deeply concerned under 
consideration of the prevalence of pride and the 
world's fashions ; which was declared to them 
in the love of truth : and the Lord was pleased 
to favour several of the meetings by his heavenly 
presence, to the praise of his holy name. 

Leaving this city we went towards the North. 
At Drogheda there is a meeting house belonging 
to friends, but they are there so declined we 
could not have a meeting to satisfaction. We 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 14*, 

therefore went on to a meeting with a few 
friends at Rat hfre land in the county of Down, 
then to Monallen, where the meeting was com- 
fortable ; and on first day had two meetings at 
Lurgan in the county of Armagh, at which 
place pride and a worldly spirit much prevails. 
Then taking meetings at Newton, Lisburn, 
Hillsborough, and Ballinderry in the county of 
Antrim, the last of which was a large good 
meeting. We had one at Antrim, where the 
savour of Truth seems much lost by the few 
professors there. We then passed on to the 
Grange meeting, which was very dull, through 
the prevalence of a worldly dark spirit, and 
from thence to a meeting at Ballynacre and so 
to Colerain, where he had a satisfactory oppor- 
tunity with some of the town's people who came 
to the meeting out of curiosity ; but I felt no 
freedom to express the sense I had of the state 
of friends then : and as the meeting broke up I 
stept to a young woman, a friend, who lived 
near the meeting house, and desired her to step 
forward and turn the few friends in there, as 
she knew them, and let the others go by, which 
she readily performed. When we were all set 
down round the room, it soon felt to me that if 
I delivered my concern in general terms, the in- 
tended end would not be answered, being in 
pain for their good, and close matters spoken 
might be taken by such to whom they least be- 
longed ; and being greatly humbled, I was de- 
sirous to be rightly instructed, not knowing their 
names, to speak to them separately. The Lord 
who never fails those who humbly trust in him, 
shewed me where and with whom to begin, and 

N 



146 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

so to the next, and mine eye being fixed on the 
person to whom I directed my speech, each 
knew what was delivered to them in particular, 
and I hope the opportunity was beneficial ; for 
I had great peace. When the friends were 
gone I asked the young woman who seemed in 
some surprise, what ailed her, she said that se- 
veral were very exactly told their condition, 
and feared they would judge her for an inform- 
er ; I told her she need not matter that, as she 
knew herself to be innocent. I mention this 
occurrence as a remarkable kindness from the 
merciful Lord to the children of men, for their 
help and instruction, and that his servants may 
be encouraged to wait upon him for instruction 
to discharge their duty as faithful stewards in 
his sight, who knows the secrets of all hearts, 
and taught his servant in old time to know the 
wife of Jeroboam, though she feigned herself to 
be another woman. Blessed, and magnified be 
his holy name, who is over all worthy for ever 
and ever ! 

Then taking meetings at Toberhead, Char- 
lemont, and Ballyhagan, we attended the men's 
meeting at Lurgan, having a great desire to sit 
^vith friends there in the management of their 
discipline, which was adjourned to this time at 
my request. It began with a meeting for wor- 
ship, men and women being generally together; 
at the conclusion of which, the men went into 
the room where the meeting for business was 
usually held; when, after sitting some time in 
silence, a leading friend said, " This is only an 
adjourned meeting, and bid the clerk enter it, 
and they might adjourn to the usual time to do 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 147 

their business, when it would be more select." 
And the meeting sitting awhile without pro- 
ceeding any way, I asked them what was meant 
by the words more select; and further said, if 
any persons were present that had not a right 
to sit there, they should withdraw, they knew 
their own members ; if they meant the friend 
who came with us, he was a neighbouring friend 
and an elder ; and as for myself, I esteemed my- 
self a proper member of their meeting, as I came 
to visit them with the concurrence of my brethren 
at home, and had certificates from them, wherein 
I was recommended to friends in Europe and 
elsewhere ; and if I did any thing among them 
worthy of censure, I should submit to their deal- 
ing, and therefore desired them to go on with 
their business; for I had come thither with a 
concern to see how the affairs of the church went 
on. So without more debate or much reply they 
proceeded; and to my surprise, things of disor- 
der had lain several years without proper deal- 
ing with various offenders, such as drinkers of 
healths, some that had been at cockfightings and 
races, and one or more marriages out of the 
order of Truth ; which gave me an opportunity 
to clear myself fully of the concern that had for 
some days lain with weight on my mind, which 
I believe was acceptable to some secretly pained 
friends, however contrary to some others; so 
that I left the place with a peaceful mind, and 
thankful to the Lord who had given me an in- 
nocent boldness to assert my right of member- 
ship ; for I believe if we had not been there, 
the meeting would have been thought select. 
We then went to Ulster Province meeting at 



148 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

Ballyhagan, which held two days: the elders 
and other concerned friends here inquire into 
the state of things among their members in the 
province, and it was in the main a satisfactory 
meeting. From hence we went southward, 
taking meetings at Castleshane, Coothill, Bal- 
lyhais, and Old Castle, and to Ballymurry in 
Connaught : having a meeting in a barn atGailey 
with a few friends, it being the only one kept 
up in that province, except at Athlone, which 
we likewise attended ; and came to James Clib- 
bonrs at the Moat of Granoge, where we also 
had a meeting. Although I had travelled every 
day for more than a week with a fever on me 
and had eaten little, occasioned as I thought by 
a cold taken by lying in damp beds, and was 
now very unwell, but sat the first day meeting; 
next day my illness became very violent, so that 
friends thought I should lay my body there, and 
sent for an apothecary who let me blood, which 
somewhat allayed the fever, and I fell into a 
sleep; when I began to bleed again, which 
brought me very weak, that I was awakenejrl at 
midnight with great drops of sweat on ray face, 
and sickness ; and calling my companion who 
watched with me, we found that I had bled much, 
the orifice in my arm being very large and not 
carefully bound up. My kind landlord and his 
wife being anxious about me, had prevailed 
with the apothecary to lodge in the house ; who 
being called to me, on his coming I desired him 
to peel a bladder and apply a thin piece of it 
about as broad as a half-penny on the wound. 
He asked for what ; I told him he would see : 
and when it was applied I requested him to 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 149 

hold his finger on the piece over the orifice so 
as to stop the blood, until the plaister dried and 
stuck, which it soon did and it bled no more. 
He said that he had not seen the like. I men- 
tion this for the sake of others ; for the bladder 
sticks as the blood under it dries, and will stop 
the bleeding of almost any wound. Next morn- 
ing a graduate physician of the town came to 
visit me, and feeling my pulse, I asked him 
what he thought of me ? He making no answer, 
I said, be not afraid to tell me, for I am not 
afraid to hear. He replied, u that is happy for 
you ;" by which I supposed he thought I should 
not recover. He viewed my spittle and said I 
was in a deep consumption, and proposed my 
taking a vomit ; I told him that I had not taken 
one many years ; besides as he judged my 
lungs were inflamed, a moderate purge was bet- 
ter. At which he replied with an air of banter, 
" you are an odd patient ; come, you shall be 
physician and I will be apothecary. I took him 
at his word and he sent me a purge which gave 
me some relief; he visited me daily for a week, 
and could hardly believe I should recover, 
though I told him I believed that I should : 
He still judged my cough to be consumptive, and 
at length told me, if I did recover, to go home 
as soon as I could, for that the Lord was more 
merciful than to require such an one as I was to 
travel as I did ; and that I had already acted 
as a madman to travel so long time with that 
fever before I lay by. I asked him, if he was 
master of a vessel at sea which had sprang a- 
leak that could not be stopped, what he would 
do ? He replied, endeavour to make to the next 



150 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

port for a dry dock to unlade and search out 
the leak. Why doctor said I, this is just my 
case ; I saw no place to lay by until I came 
hither ; at which he laughed, and wished me 
well. I think I never was reduced to so weak 
a state in so short a time, which might be occa- 
sioned by my great loss of blood ; but the Lord 
was pleased to heal me, that I gathered strength 
to admiration, and on first day sat the meeting, 
which was comfortable ; and continuing to re- 
cover, though not fit to travel, I tarried until 
fourth day and attended their monthly-meeting; 
and understanding they had been endeavouring 
to visit families, but were backward in begin- 
ning, I told friends that I had a freedom to oc- 
company them in the work for a few days for 
their encouragement ; and we accordingly went 
with them to a few places to good satisfaction, 
and friends received strength to go on with the 
service. Then taking an affectionate leave of 
our kind landlord James Clibborn and his wife, 
who is grand-daughter to Robert Barclay the 
Apologist, we went to meetings at Birr, Kilcon- 
nermoor, Cashell, Killcommon, Clonsmell, 
Youghall, and so to Cork on the first day of 
the week ; where we also attended the men's 
meeting for discipline, and visited the women's 
meeting, which were both to some good satis- 
faction. Then going to Bandon, we returned 
to an appointed meeting at Cork for parents and 
their children ; and having strength given me 
to clear myself, it was, I hope, profitable to 
many, being a large meeting. We then went 
to Malo, and had a seasonable opportunity 
with a family of friends j thence to the Pro- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 151 

vince-meeting for Munster, held at Limerick, 
the public and select sittings of which and 
for the discipline ended comfortably ; and after 
attending the week day meeting, we went to a 
meeting at Ross, and returned to Limerick; 
and being unwell with a cold, we tarried their 
meetings on first day, which were large and 
satisfactory, and in the eveuing had one with a 
sick friend. Being clear, and taking three 
meetings in our way, we proceeded to Leinster 
Province-meeting at Mountmelic, which began 
on the sixth day of the week with a meeting of 
ministers, the next day for worship and the dis- 
cipline, and on first day morning was a large 
and precious meeting. In the afternoon the 
town's people came in, audit was a good satis- 
factory meeting, though not so large, friends 
being mostly gone home. We had a meeting 
next day at Tullamoor, and returning to Mount- 
melic had a satisfactory one with the children 
in the school of James Gough. After the week 
day meeting in this town, we went to Ballacar- 
rol, Ballanakel, and Cooperhill, having a meet- 
ing at each ; then to Catherlough monthly-meet- 
ing on first day, and the next day to Athy, then 
to Ballitore; which was, through Divine good- 
ness attending, made profitable; and we had 
also a satisfactory meeting with the scholars in 
Abraham Shackleton's school. After a meeting 
at Newton we went to Samuel Watson's, at 
Killconner, whose wife, late Abigail Bowles, 
had been on a religious visit in America, seve- 
ral years past. She was now near her end, 
but sensible and in a good frame of spirit, and 
greatly rejoiced to see us ; and we were mutu- 



152 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

ally comforted in a sense of the Lord's presence, 
for which his holy name was praised. After a 
meeting here and another at Catherlough we 
went to Waterford, and sat with friends in 
their morning, afternoon, and evening meetings 
on the first day : in all which having cleared 
myself honestly, my spirit mourned under a 
sense of formality among the people, and a dead- 
ness to the pure inward life of religion. Then 
taking meetings at Ross, Lambstown, Wexford, 
UandaVs-mills or Castlesaw, Cooladine, and 
several other places, we came to Wicklow ; at 
which meeting many soldiers attended who be- 
haved well, and Truth owned the service in a 
good degree. I have observed, where the sol- 
diers came into our meetings, they were an awe 
to the rabble and loose people, who are some- 
times apt to be rude. From hence we went to 
Dublin in order to attend the national half- 
year's-meeting, and were kindly received by our 
old landlord Samuel Judd and his family. 

Leinster Province-meeting began on second 
day the sixth of the eleventh month, both for 
worship and discipline, and on third day the 
national-meeting, which held four days : the 
several sittings thereof being in general attend- 
ed with a sense of Divine goodness, and the 
testimony of Truth ran strong against hypocrisy, 
covetousness, libertinism, and pride among the 
professors thereof; but in a consolatory stream 
to the humble and contrite children of the fa- 
mily : in a thankful sense whereof, the name of 
the Lord was praised, who is worthy for ever 
and ever ! We tarried a few days longer with 
friends in Dublin; and then went to meetings at 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN, 153 

Baltiboys, Tiinahoe, Rathangan, and Eden- 
derry, and a religious sitting in John Pirn's fa- 
mily at Nurney; then returning to Edenderry 
attended their monthly- meeting; where having 
a concern to visit some families of friends, we 
went to most of them in that town, and to the 
house of a widow in the country, where we had 
a good opportunity with her and her children. 
1 asked the friend who accompanied us, whether 
there was any other friend's house to which we 
had not been; he said he thought not ; but my 
mind had a draught to some house and I pointed 
toward it, he then said he believed he knew 
where; so we went to the place, and the family 
being called together, I inquired whether there 
was not another belonging to the house, and was 
told there was. As soon as he came, I knew it 
was the man whom my mind was concerned to 
visit, and something I had to express reached and 
tendered him very much ; he being exceeding 
wild and fashionable and did not love to attend 
religious meetings, but truth now reached him. 
On the first day following I saw him at Eden- 
derry meeting, where the visitation seemed to 
be renewed to him. I afterwards heard that he 
continued to be sober and thoughtful, and I was 
thankful to the Lord that he was pleased to con- 
descend in mercy to gather the outcasts of Israel. 
Being clear of this place, I returned to Dublin, 
and having a concern on my mind to visit the 
families of some who made profession of truth 
but were disorderly in their conduct, we began 
that service, being accompanied by several 
friends : and the Lord was pleased to own the 
work. During our stay we were careful to at- 



154 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

tend all the meetings in this city for worship 
and discipline, one of which was a quarterly- 
meeting for the youth ; in which many were 
tendered by the love of God, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord and Saviour. We visited about 
sixty families, in most whereof the Lord was 
pleased to favour with authority to set the tes- 
timony of truth over the heads of the corrupt, 
disorderly professors, and to influence with un- 
derstanding to divide the word and counsel of 
truth to the different states of those we visited. 
In an humble sense whereof, let my soul obey 
and adore him who is alone worthy for ever ! 

As I apprehended the women's meeting to be 
slack of doing their part of duty as true helps in 
the exercise of the discipline, and a proper care 
over the flock and family of the Lord ; a weigh- 
ty concern attended me to express in writing 
my sense of what was the proper business be- 
longing to women's meetings ; which I shewed 
to the men friends, and had their concurrence 
to lay it before the women's meeting, in order 
for their encouragement and practice in the 
wisdom of Truth ; and it was afterwards sent 
to the women's meetings throughout the nation. 

The vessel in which we came to Ireland be- 
ing ready to sail, and the master desirous of our 
company to return with him, I felt so clear and 
easy that I intended to go ; but when he sent 
us word to come on board, I was more inclined 
to stay that day, and went to meeting, being 
first day, and he sailed : but meeting with con- 
trary winds and dark weather, was obliged to 
put back into Dublin harbour after about a 
week's fatigue. My being withheld from em 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 155 

barking, I thought was a remarkable kindness 
and favour from my great and good Master ; 
praised be his name ! We had afterwards se- 
veral good meetings, in some of which it be- 
came my concern to recommend silence by ex- 
ample, of which they stood in much need; and 
on the twenty-third of the first month, 1753, af- 
ter having travelled in Ireland thirteen hundred 
and fifteen miles, and had one hundred and 
thirty-four meetings, besides many family vi- 
sits ; feeling my mind to be fully clear, we 
went on board a ship of Whitehaven, Allen 
Wilson, master, having in much love taken 
leave of our friends ; and after a short, but 
stormy rough passage of about twenty-three 
hours, arrived at Whitehaven with hearts hum- 
bly thankful to the Lord who had preserved 
us : the master saying, that he had not known 
the like for twelve years, although he had sailed 
between the two ports very constantly. Next 
day after our arrival, our friend John Harris of 
Highfield, with whom we had left our horses, 
brought them to us and we went home with him, 
and visited the meetings in the neighbourhood ; 
several of which, particularly the last at Pard- 
say Hall, were large and precious opportuni- 
ties ; and I thought I could perceive that my 
former painful labours among them had been 
blessed : for which I was truly thankful to the 
holy head of the church and master of the as- 
semblies of his people. From thence we went 
to Lortonhall and had an evening meeting with 
the people of the town, to which came the priest 
and most of his hearers ; and although the craft 



156 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

and conduct of the hirelings were much set 
forth, all was quiet and it ended well, 

From thence we went to Kendal, and staying 
a general meeting there, proceeded to divers 
others in Yorkshire, and Lancashire, and to 
one we had appointed at Coin, where are no 
members of our society ; and though a poor 
dark town in respect to religion, the people be- 
haved soberly, and many were tendered by the 
gentle, yet powerful reaches of heavenly good- 
ness ; and I may say, that in riding through 
some towns in England where no friend dwelt, 
I felt a secret salutation of love to the inhabi- 
tants, though as a seed yet ungathered : but my 
present business in general was to the children of 
the family, that when it shall please the Lord 
to open the eyes of others to behold Zion, no 
stumbling block might appear to offend the be- 
holders, or dim her heavenly beauty. 

From hence passing to Halifax we had a 
large open meeting there, and divers others in 
Yorkshire, until we came to our friend John 
Haslam's at Hansworth-Woodhouse; then to 
Sheffield, where we visited some families to our 
satisfaction, and after attending two meetings 
in Derbyshire returned to J. Haslam's, and 
again to Sheffield, and sat their morning meet- 
ing on first day ; and in the afternoon attended 
the burial of Ellen Atwick, a friend of good re- 
pute, to which many people came and I had a 
favourable opportunity. Being then clear, I 
went to Blythe in Nottinghamshire and had a 
meeting ; and several in other towns this week, 
and reached Rawcliff in Yorkshire on first day. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 15? 

On the niarlit before I had a dream which much 
affected me. "I thought I heard a kind of 
melody and singing at my left hand, whereupon 
I said, what do ye rejoice at. Which continu- 
ing I said, your singing is somewhat like Da- 
vid's rejoicing before the ark, but I see it not ; 
and heard a voice on my right saying, the ark 
is in the land of the Philistines, where it was 
taken through the wickedness of the priests and 
sins of the people, who removed the ark from 
Shiloh to strengthen them in battle." Where- 
upon I awoke and was under some exercise for 
a time, concluding it was ominous ; but saw no 
further, until we went to meeting in the fore- 
noon ; where I soon heard a kind of tuneful 
sighing, which kept increasing, and turning my 
head to discover from whence it came, found it 
to be at my left hand. After a while a person 
stood up and spake a few sentences of extraor- 
dinary enjoyments which were to be felt. My 
mind was pained, and after he sat down I stood 
up and said, What are ye doing? and what 
do you feel to occasion this rejoicing? and 
should have proceeded to have told them my 
thoughts, but instantly my dream came into my 
mind, and so with little addition sat down very 
sorrowful. After the meeting I went to dinner, 
but could not eat much or be cheerful. At the 
afternoon meeting we had the same tune until 
my spirit was afflicted ; but labouring to know 
that quiet which is not easily disturbed, I re- 
ceived strength in a loving frame of mind to in- 
form them, that I feared they were mistaken in 
their states and conditions, for that death reign- 
ed, and it was rather a time of mourning. And 

o 



158 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

as Truth arose in some good degree, that float- 
ing formal sea became dried up ; and in the 
evening having the company of the chief singer 
among them, 1 had a singular freedom simply 
to relate my dream to him, with a desire that he 
might examine whether the ark enclosing the 
pure testimony was preserved safe amongst 
them ; which shut up further conversation. In 
a few days after, an intimate friend asked me 
how I fared there, I repeated to him my dream, 
and he told me it was very significant, for that 
a withering had taken place in that meeting, 
and that person had several children who were 
married to such that did not profess with us : 
and being treated with as a parent, he said it 
might be a means of increasing the meeting, if 
those they had married came to meeting with 
them, and discouraged friends from dealing 
with them, lest it should prevent them. 

Then taking a meeting at Selby, we proceed- 
ed to the quarterly-meeting at York, which con- 
tinued two days, and was a good meeting. Here 
we met my brother William Brown to our mu- 
tual comfort after a separation of nineteen months. 
We soon parted again, he going towards Lan- 
caster and we to several meetings in York- 
shire and some in Lincolnshire. In some places 
I observed the form to remain and life to be 
wanting, and in others the professors of truth 
had too generally declined from both. True 
life gives birth to a true form ; but the mere form 
will never produce the life of Truth. From 
hence we went to Retford and Mansfield, iu 
Nottinghamshire, and at the last town had two 
meetings, one of which was with friends by 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 159 

themselves ; for it did not always appear con- 
venient to deliver, too publicly, those things 
which tended to the reproof of some disorderly 
walkers in the family, lest it should rather har- 
den than restore and heal, especially where 
their conduct did not occasion open reproach ; 
then taking a meeting at Broughton we went to 
Nottingham, and had three meetings there on 
first day, and the next at Oxham with a few 
friends who were glad thereof, being sometimes 
missed by travellers : the day following we had 
an appointed meeting at Nottingham to satisfac- 
tion. In this place they are troubled with some 
ranters, who force themselves into meetings for 
discipline. Friends were exhorted to keep up 
the testimony of Truth in the meek humble 
spirit thereof, in which its dominion will stand 
for ever. We then spent some time in visiting 
many meetings in Leicestershire, taking one at 
Oakham in .Rutlandshire, where some innocent 
friends live, and I think it is the only meeting 
of friends in that county. At Boswell-streei 
we had a meeting with some who had been late- 
ly convinced, but had not yet known a true es- 
tablishment in humbly waiting for the power of 
Truth, to give a solid growth in pure religion. 
The same evening we had a meeting at Coven- 
try to good satisfaction ; and the week following 
came to Dudley in Worcestershire, where we 
lodged at James Payton's, whose sister Catha- 
rine was preparing to go on a religious visit to 
America. Staying the meeting on first day in 
Dudley, we went to divers others in this county 
and Warwickshire, and came to Eaden in 
Northamptonshire ; at which meeting many peo- 



160 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

pie came, some of whom were very unruly, but 
the power of Truth prevailing, it ended quietly, 
praised be the Lord who is all-sufficient for his 
own work ! Visiting several other meetings in 
this county, at one of them held on an evening 
at Chipping-Norton there were many tender 
young people, to whom I felt a salutation in the 
love of Truth; but before I thought it safe for 
me to stand up, a young man not much like a 
friend stood up, and began to exhort them to be 
faithful in discharging whatsoever the Lord re- 
quired of them, and how eminently he would 
be with, and qualify them for his work, as though 
they were all appointed to enter upon some ex- 
traordinary great service ; at which my mind was 
much grieved, fori thought it would be more suit- 
able for them deeply to retire and wait for the vir- 
tue of Truth and sap of life, to experience a growth 
in grace and the knowledge of God, that they 
might be prepared to work out their own sal- 
vation. To expect a young tree to produce 
abundance of fruit before the branches are come 
forth and spread with strength to bear it, is not 
reasonable. The words " sit down," passed 
through my mind for some time, and at length 
I spoke them so as for him to hear, which I 
perceived by a small stop he made ; but going 
on again, I said prithee friend sit down : which 
he did, but I felt that my saying so, surprised 
the people and perhaps offended some, and that 
it would be in vain to deliver what was on my 
mind. So expressing a few sentences only, I 
sat down very sorrowful, and the meeting end- 
ed. I was informed by a friend at our lodgings 
that he was one lately come from the Metho- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. .161 

dists, which I before apprehended by his ap- 
pearance. On going to bed I was much con- 
cerned lest it should hurt him, and deeply 
sought to know whether I had not spoken to 
him in a selfish spirit, because he had taken 
the time of the meeting appointed on my ac- 
count; and feeling love towards him, I prayed 
in spirit that the Lord would be pleased to pre- 
serve him from harm thereby, and that if I had 
done wrong, I might be made sensible of re- 
buke for my future instruction : when in great 
calmness I understood that it would not hurt 
him, so I went into a quiet sleep. After a meet- 
ing the next day at Sibbard, a woman friend 
who was at the meeting the evening before, de- 
sired me to send by her a message, or write to 
the young man, for she was fearful he would 
go beside himself. I told her that when I spake 
to him I thought myself right, and knew what 
I was about; but now I could not see what to 
do at present, and to act by her direction was 
dangerous : so we parted ; and in about a week 
after, a friend let me know that there was no 
danger of his receiving hurt, but hoped he would 
be benefited. 

From hence, taking a few meetings on our 
way, we arrived at London on the seventh of 
the sixth month, and next day attended Grace 
Church Street meeting, and in the following 
week the yearly-meeting, which was comfort- 
able and solid; divers weighty matters being 
therein proposed for consideration from several 
of the counties, which centred rather to benefit ; 
though in the management of the affairs, there 
appeared, in some, a disposition to oppose wha* 



16* THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

they thought to be mew, notwithstanding the 
same things appeared very expedient to others, 
who from their prospect thereof, might urge 
their sentiments rather too strongly. A pros- 
pect of the Lord's servants truly disciplined, 
armed and qualified for his work, and of such 
who equip, arm and arrange themselves, and 
move by their own direction, was presented to 
my view in a dream one night during the time 
of this meeting. " I thought I beheld two ar- 
mies set in array against each other, one of 
them well armed with swords and muskets ; the 
other had no formal weapons for their defence ; 
but a charge given them by their general to 
keep their ranks, and gently to march directly 
forward as he should lead, no man reaching 
forth his own hand to defend himself. They 
joined in battle; and when one of the unarmed 
soldiers was borne hard upon by his opponent, 
he reached forth his hand at arms-length, when 
a sword took oft* one of his fingers, and the 
blood sprinkled on several of his fellow sol- 
diers ; whereupon knowing the orders given, I 
cried out, if that hand had not been so stretched 
out, this wound would not have been received, 
and so I awakened." And on the morrow was 
fully convinced, that in transacting the affairs 
of Truth, the honour of God should be our only 
view, with a single eye to his direction, and 
self made of no reputation, which will be a 
shield against all reflections and personal cen- 
sures ; for it so happened, that a valuable zea- 
lous friend being strongly reflected on as being 
a prejudiced party, and being a little warmed 
thereby, made an over-hasty, and perhaps too 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 163 

warm a reply ; which is apt to stir up warmth 
in those who depend on no other guard than 
their own armour, and with their own strength 
use a selfish weapon. By this unguarded reply, 
the friend brought a reproof on himself and 
some others, that were united in the cause of 
truth. The victory belongs to the Lamb for 
ever, who when he was spit upon and reviled, 
did not again revile. 

After staying in London and attending the 
Peel-meeting on first day, and the meeting of 
ministers and elders on second day morning, 
we went to Chelmsford and rested a day or two 
with our friend John Griffith ; attended their 
week day meeting and a general meeting at 
Easterfordkelvedon, and proceeded to the year- 
ly-meeting at Colchester, which held three days 
and was a time of Divine favour : then going 
to Tpswich and to a monthly-meeting at Wood- 
bridge, we there continued on first day, and on 
the next began their yearly-meeting, which held 
until the fourth day of the week ; in all eight 
sittings, some whereof were large and very 
good. No praise to him that willeth, or to him 
that runneth, but to the Lord alone that sheweth 
mercy. And there being a marriage at the 
meeting on fifth day, I had an open time, where- 
in I had to set forth ; that as man in the be- 
ginning was taken from the earth or clay by the 
hand of the Lord, and a life breathed into him 
different from the earth, by which he became a 
living soul, and stood in the image and liberty 
of his Creator, but falling from the heavenly 
image and liberty therein through transgression, 
is now of the earth, earthly in his love and li- 



164 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

berty ; so he must now be separated from the 
earthly low estate which stands in the trans- 
gression and death, by the Regenerating Word 
of power, and transformed by the renewing of 
his mind, will and affections, and placing them 
on heavenly objects. For as the potter separa- 
teth the clay from the other earth, and tempers 
it by itself before he formeth and maketh a 
vessel thereof, so must man, by the operation 
of the Heavenly hand, be tempered, wrought, 
prepared, and thereby freed from his own stub- 
born will, and made submissive to the Heavenly 
Will ; that he may not be marred on the wheel, 
but bear the turning of the heavenly hand until 
he be formed a vessel to honour. But if the 
will of man does not become subject, but stands 
in rebellion, the Lord, who said, my spirit shall 
not always strive with man, hath power over 
the clay to reject that which will not be wrought 
into a vessel for honour, and suffer it to be 
marred in its own stubborn will. And when 
an earthly potter hath formed a vessel for use, 
he carefully setteth it aside, until it be prepared 
to bear a further operation, to harden and glaze 
it for the use for which it is made. If man 
should put even water into an earthen vessel 
formed for that use, before it is hardened and 
prepared by fire, he w ould both mar the vessel, 
and expose that which was put therein. Let not 
such therefore who have known the heavenly 
hand of power so to prepare them, that they 
are willing to be whatsoever the Lord should 
make of them, marvel if the Lord should be 
pleased to set them by a while for the trial of 
their faith. If the earthly potter's vessel should 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 165 

crack in drying, it would be marred ; so if 
these vessels of the Heavenly Potter keep not 
the word of his patience in this their drying 
season, to prepare them for the operation of 
the Heavenly fire and furnace, in which the 
Lord will sanctify and fit his vessels for the 
use of his holy sanctuary, they will also be 
marred. But otherwise they will come forth 
vessels to honour in his house, &c. 

I thought this was a remarkable good meet- 
ing, the praise thereof belongs to the Lord alone. 
We had also a select meeting with friends, and 
visited several families in the town to satisfac- 
tion, Truth owning us together; and after a good 
opportunity at a friend's house in the country 
on our way, we went to Norwich and attended 
their meetings on first day : the yearly- meeting 
began the next, and ended on fourth day after 
seven sittings, generally large and satisfactory, 
through the overshadowing of Divine goodness. 
I continued in this city several days after, vi- 
siting families and steadily attending their meet- 
ings, and had some open satisfactory opportu*- 
nities. My way now opening for Holland we 
went to Yarmouth, several friends accompanying 
us ; and on the twenty-sixth of the seventh month 
embarked on board the ship Three Brothers, 
Richard Smith, master, my companion John 
Pemberton being willing to continue with me. 

On the first day of the week following, we 
landed at Rotterdam and lodged at an inn. 
Next morning feeling my mind drawn forward, 
we went in a stage- waggon to Turgow, and from 
thence in the track-skute to Amsterdam in the 
evening, the metropolis of South Holland: and 



166 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

were conducted to friends meeting-bouse at the 
Three-hooks in Princes-street, in which Mi- 
chael Laars and his sister lived, and were 
kindly received and rested the next day. 

I found a concern to visit the families of 
friends in this city, in which service we spent 
most of the week to our satisfaction, John Van- 
derwaarf, jun. being interpreter. We also at- 
tended their week day meeting, in which Peter 
Linders was interpreter. On first day follow- 
ing the meeting in the morning was pretty large> 
and many people came to that in the afternoon, 
some of whom behaved rudely ; but Truth came 
over, and they were stilled, and seemed to de- 
part satisfied. We continued here until their 
weekday meeting again, which many not of our 
society attended, and it was to general satisfac- 
tion. I then felt my mind drawn towards North 
Holland, and taking passage in the track-skute 
passed through several towns and arrived at the 
city of Hoorn, where we were met by our friend 
Cort Hendricks, who took us in his waggon to 
his house at Twisk, in North Holland, the 
same night : being accounted eighteen miles 
from Amsterdam to Hoorn by water, and from 
thence to Twisk by land six miles. Here also 
finding the like concern, we visited the families 
of friends, and had a meeting with them in the 
evening together. Next day we went to Abbey 
Kirk, a village about two miles distant, where 
about five or six families of friends live, whom 
we visited also : the friends in general seemed 
to receive our visits kindly, except one family, 
where I was concerned to speak of, and open 
that saying of our dear Lord, " Except your 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 167 

righteousness exceed the righteousness of the 
Scribes and Pharisees," &c. for I was much 
burdened under a sense of a self-righteous, 
whole, exalted spirit ; and in opening that pas- 
sage, was also led to speak of the parable of 
the Pharisee and Publican who went up into 
the temple to pray, which probably touched the 
heads of that family, ami I felt a strong oppo- 
sition in them, and perceived the passage was 
not pleasing to our interpreter. I could not 
shake off my burden, yet was preserved quiet 
in my mind, having honestly done my part; and 
so returned to Twisk, where the meeting was 
held for both villages, and on first day morning 
the meeting was pretty large, friends being ge- 
nerally there ; but our interpreter had most of 
the time, so that he was too overspent to inter- 
pret much for me. Several not professing with, 
us attended in the afternoon, and I had a satis- 
factory time with them early in the meeting, 
when an awful sense of Truth seemed to be 
over us, after which our interpreter had some- 
thing further to say. I have often lamented the 
increase of words, and a repetition of former 
experiences without the renewing of life, which 
disposition seems to prevail in too many, to the 
burdening of sensible members in our society. 

As we sat this evening in a friend's house at 
Twisk two elderly women came in, professors 
of truth, but very talkative. I had seen them 
several times before, and as often been burden- 
ed with them, and now had something in par- 
ticular to speak ; but feared that such plain 
dealing would be too strong for our interpreter, 
who appeared to be very sociable with them; 



168 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

therefore I delivered my mind without singling 
them out, several others being present. These 
women took it to themselves, but not in such a, 
disposition as I desired, being disturbed, and 
following us to our lodgings made their com- 
plaint to our interpreter, bidding him ask me if 
I took them to be such persons as I had de- 
scribed; if so, they desired to know what I 
had to accuse them with? At first it put me to 
a stand, but being still, I soon thought it was 
providential, that they thus gave me an oppor- 
tunity to clear myself of the burden I had borne 
on their account, and told them ; that to enter 
into particular charges was not my business, 
but was free to let them know that I had been 
in pain on their account from the first time I saw 
them, and that if I had a true sense of their 
states, they were not such as they ought to be, 
but had lost the savour of what they professed 
to enjoy, and could so freely talk of : " and told 
one of them that I took her to be dark and ig- 
norant of her own state; and the other, that 
she was too light and chaffy in her spirit ; and 
that they both wanted the true cloathing of the 
Lord's children, which is humility of heart and 
reverence of spirit, which would season all their 
conversation and conduct, that they would not 
be stumbling blocks to their neighbours, as I 
feared they were. I also told them, that I be- 
lieved when I spake as I did at the friend's 
house it belonged to them, in which I was now 
confirmed, for had they been sincere-hearted, 
they would have borne it without flinching ; but 
now they had shewn their sore places were 
touched, and I dared not to lessen the weight 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 169 

of what was then said, but desired them to re- 
ceive and ponder it well ; for I was sure it was 
delivered in love, and believed it to be a visita- 
tion to them in their old age." Which being 
interpreted to them, they spake something to the 
interpreter which I did not understand ; then 
one of them said, she had yet love in her heart 
for me : I told her that I had nothing but good 
will towards her, and so they went away. 

After which, the interpreter told me, he had 
known these women many years ; that I had a 
true sense of them, and he had delivered my words 
honestly, and hoped they would do them good. 

We next had a meeting with friends of Twisk 
by themselves in a private house, in which we 
were favoured with the savour of truth, the sin- 
cere-hearted being refreshed, and the disorderly 
warned to be more careful. 

After taking some refreshment, we hasted to 
attend another meeting appointed for us at Abbey- 
Kirk in the afternoon, which was held in the 
same house where I felt the opposition before- 
mentioned. I soon was sensible of some matter 
in my mind to divide to the people ; first to a low 
afflicted state, and things opened pretty clear, 
and were interpreted readily ; but proceeding 
to the other states, I felt the current obstructed, 
and the force of my sentences evaded, and had 
a sense that the minds of the friends of that 
house were shut up against what I had to de- 
liver ; so I forebore going on, and the interpre- 
ter soon began and continued to speak near an 
hour. When he had done, I felt a great weight 
on my mind, and desired him to interpret a few 
sentences for me. He did not seem very free, 

p 



170 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

saying, " let it be short then." The substance 
was, " That I had come in love to see them, and 
was in no way prepossessed or informed ^con- 
cerning any person or case among them ; yet 
found they were shut up against what I had to 
deliver ; nevertheless I could not be easy with- 
out letting them know, that I did believe, unless 
they humbled themselves, and were stripped 
from that self-righteous wholeness, wherewith 
they had cloathed themselves, they never would 
grow in the life of true religion ; but would be 
as stumbling blocks to the sincere-hearted among 
them." So I went out of the house and return- 
ed to our lodging, not having freedom to stay 
there longer. Our interpreter, who tarried with 
them after we were gone, told me that they 
judged a certain friend, who had been in Hol- 
land some time before and spoken very close- 
ly to them, had informed me concerning them ; 
and I thought the interpreter also favoured that 
sentiment, which made me not to wonder at the 
opposition I had felt both in him and them. 
Whereupon I told him, that until that time I 
never knew that the friend whom they thus 
judged had been there, and that I had never 
heard of their names, nor the name of the town 
until I came with him ; and desired him to give 
it in charge to a friend of Twisk who was pre- 
sent with us, to let those Mends know from me, 
what I then said of my innocency. 

Feeling myself now pretty easy respecting 
that place, we returned towards Amsterdam, 
accompanied by two friends to Hoorn, where 
no friends now live, though formerly there were, 
$nd sometimes meetings have been held there ; 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 171 

and I had some thoughts of having one ; but 
being under discouragement, had almost con- 
cluded to proceed on our way. But in walking 
through the city to the skute, which Avas to set 
off for Amsterdam in a few minutes, I felt my 
mind affected with a sense that my great and 
good Master was near, and desired with earnest 
breathings to know his will ; and if he would 
be pleased to be with me, I w r as willing to do 
the same, as he should require and enable me. 
I then felt such a stream of love towards the 
inhabitants, that I was convinced there was a 
visitation to them, as though the Lord would in 
his own time gather a people there. As yet I 
had not disclosed my mind to any one, although 
I felt a draught back ; when seeing a young 
man in the street, I desired the interpreter to 
ask him if he thought we could have a meeting 
in that town, to which he readily answered that 
he believed we might ; and taking hold of my 
baggage said, if we would please to return to 
his house, he would endeavour to procure a 
place and acquaint the people, which he very 
punctually, and with great speed performed : 
and we met about four in the afternoon at the 
house of Cornelius Olyslager, and had a good 
opportunity with a tender friendly people; seve- 
ral of whom were reached and tendered by the 
virtue and savour of truth, which spread freely ; 
for which the giver of all good was reverently 
praised, who is worthy for ever. The people 
departed in much love, and we returned to the 
young man's house, where we were affection- 
ately entertained that night. We should have 
been glad to have conversed with the people, 



#1 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

but could not understand their language, yet 
had a sense that they were satisfied with the 
meeting. 

Being accompanied by this kind young man, 
Dirk Meschaert, our landlord, to the track- 
skute, we took leave with tears on each side : 
and arriving at Amsterdam, we sat with 
friends that afternoon in their week day meet- 
ing to satisfaction, having travelled in North 
Holland about seventy-four miles by boat 
and waggon. We then visited the remain- 
der of friends families in this city, and were 
comforted therein, the Lord being pleased to 
own our labour, and I pray it may be blessed 
to them. On first day morning we had a large 
solid meeting, at which were several strangers, 
particularly two young men, Italians, supposed 
to be princes, who behaved well ; also many of 
the citizens who had never been at a friends* 
meeting before. The afternoon meeting was 
also large ; but some of the lower sort who came 
to gaze out of curiosity, behaved rude, yet it 
ended better than I expected. There seemed 
to be an openness in many to hear the testimony 
and principle of Truth declared; but it is a 
dull way to speak by an imperfect interpreter. 

On the twenty-second of the eighth month 
was held what they call their yearly meeting, 
which was attended by several not of our so- 
ciety ; but it has little more than the name of a 
yearly-meeting, the discipline of Truth being 
much lost. 

Feeling some concern still to continue on my 
mind towards the friends at Abbey-Kirk where 
f was sensible of the opposition before hinted, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. ITS 

I had freedom to write them a letter; but on 
considering that the friend and his wife to 
whom I wrote were persons of note, I was 
fearful that their resentment might hurt some 
others ; and having a tender concern towards 
the sincere-hearted, it was with me to prepare 
the way by writing an Epistle to friends of the 
meeting at T wisk, to which those of Abbey-Kirk 
do also belong ; both which I got a friend of 
Amsterdam to translate. That to the meeting 
I sent immediately, that it might be read on a 
first day, and directed the other to be sent sooa 
after. 

That to Friends at Twisk was as follows : 
u Dear Friends, 

" The honest and sincere-hearted amongst 
you I salute in Gospel Love ; and as I do be- 
lieve there is a small remnant that are desirous 
to know and witness the peace of God in your 
hearts, and a sure hope of receiving the answer 
of well-done at the conclusion of your time in 
this world, mind the instructions of the spirit of 
Christ Jesus in your own heart, for it is that 
which leads into all Truth: it shews unto man 
of what sort the thoughts of his heart are, and 
it witnesseth against every bad word and action. 
It was the Spirit of Truth that taught the chil- 
dren of God in all ages ; it was by this Spirit of 
Truth that our worthy elders were led from the 
lo-heres and lo-theres which are in the world; 
it established them on the true foundation, viz. 
the revelation or teaching of the Spirit of God 
in their own hearts ; by this they were upheld 



lfi THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

under sore afflictions and outward sufferings 
from the powers of the earth ; by this they were 
preserved in the unity of the spirit, in the bond 
of peace. 

" Dear Friends, beware of letting out your 
minds after the doctrines and teachings of men, 
who have not the Word of Life committed to 
them to preach in the Love and Power of 
Truth : for if ye do, ye will be unstable and 
wavering, and a wavering man is as a wave of 
the sea, tossed to and fro with every contrary 
wind of doctrine. Neither look you too much 
to the example one of another, but wait to re- 
ceive in yourselves a sense of what ye ought to 
do and to join with, and what ye ought to be 
separated from. Then will you be able to judge 
what you hear and see ; because you have the 
Spirit of Truth in your own hearts ; for that is 
the true rule, judge and guide, which leads into 
all Truth. 

" Since I was with you, I have often thought, 
that you will never grow strong in the Truth, 
nor teach the principles thereof one to another, 
until you be obedient thereunto in your own 
hearts, and act and behave in all things accord- 
ing to the pure witness thereof in your own 
selves. This makes living, sound, steady mem- 
bers, zealous both of love and good works, in 
themselves, and amongst their brethren and 
sisters. 

" Dear friends, be careful to meet together, 
and admonish those that fall short of their duty 
herein. And when you are assembled, wait on 
the Lord with a mind turned inward : and if 
ye do wait in faith and patience, the Lord will 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 175 

be found of you, and reveal himself in the midst 
of you, to your comfort and consolation. 

" With sincere desires, that every good 
thought, and secret inquiry after the knowledge 
of God, in each of your hearts, may be strength- 
ened and blessed, do I remain your affectionate 
friend, 

John Churchman. " 

Amsterdam, 23d of ( 

the 8th month, 1753. 

A Copy of my Letter to the Friend and his Wife 
here follows. 

" My Friends, 

" I have had an exercise on my mind ever since 
I came first into your house, to visit your family, 
which was on the eleventh instant. I came an 
entire stranger, free from any information from 
man concerning you ; but as soon as I came into 
the house, I felt the innocent life of Truth and 
pure seed of the kingdom oppressed in you. 

"Our dear Lord said, Learn of me, fori am 
meek and low of heart. His spirit in us, if we 
take heed thereto, will teach us to be meek and 
low in heart. At this day his teaching is the 
same, and will remain to be so to all his fol- 
lowers forever. Oh may you be humble ; for 
it is the humble that the Lord doth teach of his 
ways, and the meek he guides in judgment. 
But the whole and self-righteous, who are wise 
in their own eyes, and prudent in their own con- 
ceit, the Lord will hide the mysteries of his 
pure wisdom from these ; but to the babes who 
are truly changed, and born from above ; and 



176 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

those sucklings who are weaned from the 
breasts of the world, and its wisdom, and are 
leaning on the breast of Christ their beloved, 
desiring the sincere milk of his word, that they 
may grow thereby ; unto these the Lord will 
reveal true knowledge, and wisdom from above. 
And that wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, and 
easy to be entreated ; and those that have the 
same in possession, they have the seasoning 
virtue of Truth. They have salt in themselves, 
and are therefore preserved in peace and unity 
with the pure Truth, and also one with another. 
Such professors who inwardly know, and re- 
ceive the most holy faith, they know the same 
to work in them by love, to the purifying of 
their hearts. These are Jews inward, circum- 
cised in heart, true Israelites indeed, in whom 
there is no guile ; and their righteousness ex- 
ceeds that of the scribes and pharisees. 

" I heartily wish that you may, in your old 
age, be concerned to know the life of pure reli- 
gion : a sense of the want thereof in your fa- 
mily, burdened my life whilst I was in your 
house, which was the reason why I could not be 
free to eat and drink with you. 

" In order to discharge myself towards you, 
have I written these few lines, desiring that you 
may examine yourselves, and see if there be not 
a cause, — and in the love of Truth, which leads 
us to deal plainly one with another, 

" 1 remain your real friend and well-wisher, 

John Churchman/ 9 

Amsterdam, 23d of 
the 8th Month, 1 753. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 177 

We continued with friends in this city and 
attended their two meetings on first day ; and 
in the evening had an opportunity with several 
to satisfaction, for our love rather increased, 
Next morning feeling my mind clear of friends 
in Holland, I was easy to return towards Eng- 
land ; and accompanied by several to the skute 
we took leave and went to Turgow by water, 
from thence by waggon to Rotterdam, in all about 
forty-two miles. There are no members of our 
society left in this city. We went to see the 
meeting-house and had some thoughts of having 
a meeting ; but being the time of a great fair, 
which occasioned a concourse of rude people, 
there was no prospect of having one to advan- 
tage. 

John Vanderwaarf, jun. came with us to Rot* 
terdam, with whom we parted in much love 
early on fourth day morning the twenty-ninth 
of the eighth month ; and went on board the 
same ship which brought us hither, it having 
made a voyage to England and back since. We 
sailed with a fair wind down the Maze to the 
Briell before noon; when it becoming contrary, 
we lay at anchor until first day morning ; then 
proceeding, we passed over the dangerous sands 
and so to sea ; and arrived at Yarmouth about 
one the next day, and had a meeting with 
friends the same evening. 

In this journey to Holland, we travelled by 
sea and land about five hundred miles. 

From Yarmouth we went in a chaise to Nor- 
wich, where friends were rejoiced to see us, and 
we were thankful for our safe return. And be- 
ing concerned to spend some more time among 



1T8 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

them in this city, we visited a few families and 
attended their monthly-meeting, also their two 
meetings on first day, which were dull and hea- 
vy. The minds of the people being too much ' 
outward, I found it my place to recommend si- 
lence by example more than by words, in both 
those meetings. 

Next day in company with other friends I 
went to visit Hannah Lucas, a school mistress, 
who was newly convinced. She was in a low 
state of mind : our visit was to mutual satisfac- 
tion, being comforted together. 

At their week-day meeting on third day, I 
had a seasonable time to discharge my mind to- 
wards friends in that city, in which I was led 
to deal plainly with them. They are a loving 
people to strangers and each other ; but there is 
a want of weightiness of spirit, and of a proper 
care in the exercise of the discipline of the 
church. 

Before my going to Holland I was at the 
shop of a barber in this city several times to be 
shaved. The second time I was there, I had 
to wait a while for my turn, he having no as- 
sistant ; and when others were gone out he told 
me, he was sorry I had to wait and hoped he 
should have my custom ; and that if I would 
come on Saturdays and Wednesdays in the 
forenoon I need not wait ; but in the afternoon 
others came. I asked him what days of the 
week those were which he called Saturday, 
and Wednesday ? He seemed to wonder at my 
ignorance, but knew not how to tell me other- 
wise. I said, I do not read in the Scriptures 
of any days so named ; he replied, that is true ; 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 179 

for what reason then, said I, dost thou call 
them so ; because it is a common custom, said 
he. Suppose then, said I, that we lived in a 
heathen country among infidels who worshipped 
idols, should we follow their customs because 
common ? He replied, by no means. I then 
said, if I have understood rightly, the heathens 
gave the days of the week those names. I 
never heard that before, said he, pray for what 
reason? I answered, they worshipped the Sun 
on the first day of the week and named it after 
their idol, Sunday ; the Moon on the second 
day of the week, so came Monday, and the 
other days after other idols, for they had many 
gods ; third day they called Tuesday after their 
idol Tuisco ; and after the idol Woden, fourth 
day they called Wednesday, and fifth day after 
their idol Thor they called Thursday. From 
Friga, Friday ; and after Saturn they called the 
seventh day, Saturday ; and as I believe in the 
only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath 
sent, and expect Eternal Life by no other name 
or power, I dare not for conscience sake own 
the gods of the heathen, or name a day after 
them ; but choose the names which the days 
were called by, when the most high performed 
his several works of creation, viz. first, second, 
third, and so on, which is scriptural, most plain 
and easily understood. 

He seemed somewhat affected with the in- 
formation, and I desired him to inquire into 
the matter for himself, and not to think that I 
designed to impose upon him. The next time 
of my going to his shop, he shewed me some pa 



180 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

pers whereon he had began to learn Algebra, and 
asked me how 1 liked it ; I said it might be use- 
ful to some, but that I could take up grubbing or 
follow the plough without studying Algebra, as 
he might also shave a man, &c. without it. 
Besides I found it a more profitable and de- 
lightful study to be quietly employed in learn- 
ing the law of the Lord written in mine own 
heart, so that I might walk before him accep- 
tably. 

On my return from Holland to Norwich, a 
man ran to me in the street putting a paper 
into my hand, and immediately left me, whom 
I soon found to be this barber. The letter con- 
tained an innocent child-like acknowledgment 
to me for my freedom with him, as is before- 
mentioned, in language rather too much shew- 
ing his value for me as an instrument ; and be- 
lieving him to be reached by the love of Truth, 
and in measure convinced of the principle 
thereof, I thought it best to leave him in the 
Lord's hand for further instruction, to learn by 
the immediate teachings of the Holy Spirit, 
that his love might be centred on the true belov- 
ed of souls : for want thereof many are hurt, 
looking outward and growing in head know- 
ledge, seeking the esteem and friendship of 
man, from whom we are to cease, his breath 
and life being stopped at the Lord's command. 

I mention this passage with a view to stir up 
my friends of the same holy profession, to let 
their language in words be the real language of 
Truth to all men, in purity of Spirit ; and not 
to name the days of the week or months after 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 181 

the heathenish idolatrous customs; saying for 
excuse, that they to whom they speak do best 
understand them, and it saves them any further 
explanation : which excuse is far from proceed- 
ing from a disposition apt to teach, and letting 
the Light of truth shine as they ought. Nei- 
ther do men, said our blessed instructor, light 
a candle and put it under a bushel ; but on a 
candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in 
the house. Mat. v. 21. Nor doth the Lord 
enlighten his candle, that is the spirit of man, 
with the pure knowledge of Truth, that we 
should cover it, either with an easeful disposi- 
tion to save ourselves trouble, or hide the work 
thereof under the covering bushel of worldly 
saving care, after the gaiu and treasure of this 
world ; but that it may stand on the candlestick, 
and thereby crown those who are thus favoured 
with the holy Light, that as a city set on an hill 
they cannot be hid. 

The corrupt language of you to a single per- 
son, and calling the months and days by hea- 
then names, are esteemed by some to be little 
things ; but if a faithful testimony in these 
little*things, was blessed in the instance before- 
mentioned, even to the raising an earnest inquiry 
after the saving knowledge of God and his 
blessed Son, whom to know is Eternal Life ; 
perhaps such who balk their testimony to the 
pure talent of Truth given them to profit withal, 
may one day have their portion appointed with 
the wicked and slothful servant, See Mat. xxv. 
24, 25, &c. 

After the last-mentioned meeting I found my 
mind easy to leave Norwich, and went with 

Q 



182 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

Richard Brewster and wife to Wymondam 
i hat evening, and next day to Edmondsbury; 
where feeling an engagement of mind we staid 
eight days, attending their several meetings, and 
monthly-meeting, which is composed of five 
particular meetings ; where, under a sense of a 
forward formal ministry, my soul mourned and 
was cloathed with sorrow. The next day we 
had a precious meeting, and the same evening 
another with the ministers and solid friends, in 
which it became my concern to set forth the 
care they ought to exercise over each other, 
and how necessary it was to deal plainly with 
those who did not keep their places. Truth 
owned us together, and I believe the opportu- 
nity will be remembered. 

My mind being drawn towards Wales, my 
companion John Pemberton, who had been with 
me three years, having travelled together in much 
love and unity, inclining to go towards London, 
we parted in the same love ; and I, accompa- 
nied by my kind friend Richard Brewster, went 
to Henry Gray's at Godmanchester in Hunt- 
ingdonshire, and the next day to Wellingbo- 
rough in Northamptonshire ; and were at their 
two meetings on first day the twenty -third of 
the ninth month; which were heavy for want of 
more faithful inward labourers : that evening I 
had also a sitting with a sick friend. 

Next morning my friend R. Brewster re- 
turned homewards, and several friends coming 
to take leave of me, I had an opportunity to 
remark to them the reason that their meetings 
were so dull and cloudy ; for I thought I clearly 
saw there was a neglect among them of putting 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 183 

the discipline in practice, where disorders were 
evident; and that this neglect had caused them 
to suffer ; which would still continue and increase, 
until they set the testimony of Truth over the 
heads of such who by disorderly walking had 
brought a reproach thereon. The friends were 
affected, and acknowledged they believed it to 
be the case amongst them. We parted in ten- 
derness, and I proceeded on my journey with 
an income of solid peace ; and after riding thir- 
ty-seven miles reached Banbury in Oxfordshire, 
and the next day Eatington in Warwickshire, 
where I met with my friends Richard Partridge 
and Mary Weston of London ; and we were 
truly glad to see each other, spending the day 
together, and had a meeting with friends in the 
evening to our mutual comfort. We went in 
company to Warwick and Coventry; and at the 
meeting at the last place, which was comforta- 
ble, I thought I sensibly felt the benefit of the 
painful labour I had been exercised in when 
there before. R. Partridge returning to Lon- 
don, Mary Weston went with me to the quar- 
terly-meeting at Leicester, which began with a 
meeting of ministers and elders, and one for 
worship and discipline was held the same day ; 
the service in which lay heavy upon me, and 
Truth favoured, the power thereof being felt to 
the comfort of many ; and I wish that season 
may not be forgotten by the members of that 
meeting. On the first day following I went to 
a general meeting at Badgeley, and had an 
evening meeting at Daniel LythaPs at Poles- 
worth, who hath a large family of hopeful ten- 
der children. I next went to Allen England's 



184 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

at Tamworth, and had a satisfactory opportu 
nity in his family, to which I had felt a drawing 
in my mind for some time; but did not know 
that it would fall so in the way to the quarterly- 
meeting at Stafford ; which I attended, and there 
met my friend Joshua Tofft, in company with 
whom I returned to Ridgeley, aud next day had a 
meeting at the widow Morris's, and another that 
evening at Utoxeter, from thence to Leek, and 
after a favoured meeting went home with Joshua 
to Hargate ; where after resting one day, had 
another meeting at Leek, and an opportunity with 
some friends at Joshua Strangman's, wherewith 
I had a degree of peace. 

Accompanied by J. Tofft I went to a general 
meeting at Eaton in Cheshire; then to Maccles- 
field, Stockport, Morley, and Family, the last of 
which was a good meeting. There my friend 
Samuel Fothergill met me, and we went to a 
meeting at Sutton. The next day Susanna 
Fothergill and her brother Alexander came to 
see me, and we had a comfortable time together 
at Thomas Hough's, being owned by Truth. 
I was next at a labourious meeting at Newton, 
though it ended well, and after it I met again 
with Joshua Tofft at Edgebury, and had a 
meeting the next day at Middlewich ; then at 
ISTantwich, and Chester, from whence rode to 
John Bellows at Stretton. My travelling and 
labours through Cheshire was in a particular 
close manner, though there are some solid 
friends in that county. 

Passing to Shrewsbury in Shropshire, I was 
at a meeting on first day at Colebrookdale and 
had some close work ; but Truth seemed to 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 185 

give victory. And in the evening at Abraham 
Darby's house had an opportunity/ in which 
the testimony of Truth prevailed to the tender- 
ing some high and lofty young people ; whose 
faults were told them in the power of the 
searcher of hearts, for which the sincere were 
truly thankful. 

Next day returning to Shrewsbury, I went to 
visit Benjamin Thomas and Richard Bellows, 
who had been confined in prison about four 
years and a half for their conscientious refusal 
to pay tithes ; and we had a comfortable season 
together in the jail; feeling the living presence 
of the Lord, which makes his people free, even 
in prisons. 

The day following had a meeting in this 
town, and one in the evening at the house of 
John Young, both which afforded some peace ; 
but the life of Truth is at a low state in Shrop- 
shire, and the professors with us few in num- 
ber. 

I then passed into North- Wales, to Charles 
Lloyd's at Dolobran in Montgomeryshire, John 
Young being with me, and had a meeting there. 
At this place there was formerly a large meet- 
ing ; but it is now much declined. From thence 
we went to Tydenigarrig in Merrionethshire, 
and had a meeting with a few sincere friends at 
the house of Lewis Owen ; after which I pro- 
ceeded on my visit to the other meetings in this 
county ; first at Llwindu in the family of Hum- 
phrey Owen, which was a comfortable time, 
though no other friends live in this place ; then 
at the house of John Goodwin in Esgingoch in 
Montgomeryshire, where were several tender 

q2 



186 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

friends ; but the living are scarcely able to bear 
the weight of those professors, who although 
they know the truth, do not abide therein, and 
so are as withered branches cast forth. Next 
was a pretty large and satisfactory meeting at 
Talcoyd in Radnorshire, then at Cwm, and 
Gluerindrew, and on a first day at Penbank, 
where are many professors, though but few solid 
friends; after which at Penplace and Caermar- 
then, which last meeting was much to my satis- 
faction, the few friends here being of the better 
sort. From hence to Haverfordwest with 
friends by themselves mostly ; and staying their 
meetings on first day, that in the afternoon was 
open and satisfactory as to other professors who 
came in ; but pride and worldly mindedness 
liath much hurt the members of our society, 
though there are a few tender friends. In 
the evening I had another opportunity with 
friends, and was enabled to relieve my mind 
among them with a degree of thankfulness. 
Next meeting was at Jamestown, and in the 
evening of the day following at Lara with the 
people of the town ; who behaved civilly, but 
seemed barren as to religion in a right sense. 
There is but one in this town in unity with 
friends, and he seemed near his end, whom I 
visited. After crossing a ferry near a mile 
broad, not Without great danger, being driven 
on shore and the wind very high, the boat was 
likely to fill with water, that I was obliged to 
go over a marsh to Caermarthen, being thank- 
ful for the deliverance ; where I had a public 
meeting with the town's people, to a good de- 
gree of satisfaction : and next morning met with 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 187 

my brother William Brown at Swanzey, and 
we were made joyful in the company of each 
other. Here we had two meetings, and another 
with friends selected, in which he got some re- 
lief. After his leaving me here having a con- 
cern on my mind I visited the families of friends, 
though not without fear ; but felt the help and 
strength of my great and good Master, who fur- 
nished me with power and skill to discharge my 
duty, both to the luke-warm and the corrupt dis- 
orderly professors, without wounding his own 
children, some of whom there are in this town. 
I staid their meeting on fourth day, which sea- 
son being divinely favoured, I pray may not be 
forgotten, the power which alone can enable to 
tread on scorpions or serpents, and preserve from 
the force of deadly poison, being over all. The 
honour, praise, aud glory, be ascribed to the Lord 
w ho is worthy for ever ! 

Next day I rested, and in a degree of hum- 
ble thankfulness made these remarks. 

I continued many days longer in this town, 
in which time had divers meetings, some w here- 
of were very satisfactory, many of the town's 
people attending ; and the good hand of the 
Lord was stretched forth towards them ; for 
which I was truly thankful. After spending 
sixteen days among them I went to Llantrishon, 
and the next day had a meeting at Trewaruge ; 
then one at Hillary with a tender inquiring peo- 
ple ; also at Cardiff with a seeking people, who 
had separated themselves from the public wor- 
ship and met together in silence : this opportu- 
nity was an instructive season to them. On the 
first day following I was at Pontipool, where 



188 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

at two meetings I had many close things to de- 
liver, observing want of order among them ; in 
the evening had an opportunity with some of 
the friends most active in the discipline, and en- 
deavoured to discharge myself; and on third 
day a large and pretty open meeting. Being 
detained by a great snow, I had another meet- 
ing with friends of the foremost rank on sixth 
day, in which I cleared my mind of a great bur- 
den, which I had borne on account of a formal 
ministry among them. My next meeting was 
at Shere-Newton, which was pretty large though 
dull, the savour of Truth being much lost among 
friends here ; yet I was favoured with strength 
to discharge myself, and in the feeling sense of 
peace went that night to the passage over the 
Severn, and next day to Bristol, my friend and 
kind landlord James Griffiths bearing me com- 
pany from his own house at Swanzey. 

On third day I attended their meeting in Bris- 
tol, but sat in silence, and was very heavy-heart- 
ed, under a sense of a forward spirit, which 
would prompt to answer the expectations of the 
people, and is apt to prevail on some who seem 
to be called to the work of the ministry ; but 
Truth only blesseth its own motion. 

I continued in and near this city about four 
weeks, attended their several meetings, but did 
not feel relief from the burden I was under : and 
on the fifteenth of the first month, 1754, hear- 
ing that my brother William Brown was at Ann 
Young's at Erthcot, I went there to see him, 
and we were comforted in each others company, 
and next being their meeting day, we attended 
it to our refreshment ; from whence we returned 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 189 

together to Bristol, where we tarried until the 
twenty -sixth, in which time I had several open 
meetings, which set me at liberty to leave that 
city : when we again parted, and I took meet- 
ings at Ulverstone, Thornbury, Sadsbury, Ded- 
martin, Tedbury, and two at Nailsworth, and 
another there in the evening : when I had an 
opportunity to the ease of my mind, heavily op- 
pressed on account of the formal professors of 
truth, to the comfort of the faithful, and caused 
thankfulness. 

From thence calling to visit the widow Fow- 
ler who was in affliction, I went to meetings 
at Painswick, Gloucester, Ross in Hereford- 
shire, Almerly, Leominster, and Uphan, where 
I visited the wives of the two friends before 
mentioned, who are imprisoned at Shrewsbury 
for their testimony against tithes; then return- 
ing to Leominster attended the monthly-meet- 
ing there in which truth owned us ; and taking 
a meeting at Broomsgrove went to Worcester, 
and on first day was at two comfortable meet- 
ings, and another on third day ; and the next 
day attended the quarterly-meeting, which was 
a precious time, wherein friends were comfort- 
ed : and finding a concern on my mind I went 
into the women's meeting, wherein the power 
of Truth accompanied, which is the crown of our 
religious meetings. Here is a tender seed, es- 
pecially amongst the female sex, which will 
thrive if this Divine power is kept unto. 

Being now clear of this city, I departed with 
peace to meetings at Tewskbury, Cheltenham, 
and again to Nailsworth, where I was at two 
meetings, which though hard, I had an evidence 



190 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

that the Lord had not forsaken his seeking peo- 
ple. After attending a conference with several 
friends endeavouring to compose a difference, 
which ended to satisfaction, I proceeded to the 
quarterly-meeting for Gloucestershire held at 
Tedbury, where I again met with my brother 
W. B. Divine goodness and a good degree of 
the authority of Truth attending in the time of 
worship, and in transacting the affairs of the 
church. 

Next day my brother went to Bath and I to 
Cirencester, where I had a hard and dull meet- 
ing, the professors of Truth having too much 
departed from the savour thereof; at another in 
the evening I had an evidence of having dis- 
charged my duty. Then proceeded to meetings 
at Farringdon in Berkshire, Litchfield, Burford 
in Oxfordshire, Milton, Stow in Gloucester- 
shire, Chipping-Norton, Charlbury, Witney, 
Abingdon, Warbury, North-End, and from 
thence to High-Wiccomb ; where the weather 
being very cold I tarried six days, visiting se- 
veral families of sick friends ; and the last pub- 
lic meeting being in the evening, many of the 
town's people attended, and it was a solid op- 
portunity. From thence I went to Amersham, 
though with difficulty on account of the snow, 
and on first day had a meeting at Chesham ; 
then to Hampstead, and had there a meeting, 
which was much enlarged by the scholars of 
William Squire's school, several of whom were 
affected ; then having a good opportunity with 
friends at Albans, I went to London, where I 
remained seven weeks and three days, visiting 
the meetings ; and felt much of the weight and 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 191 

burden of the service before me there ; and in 
the opening and authority of Truth, I had to 
speak to the present state of our society, not 
only to the instruction of the seeking children 
and comforting of the mourners, but also by 
way of rebuke to the disorderly, and close 
warning to the rebellious. 

During my continuance here I felt my mind 
drawn towards Wiltshire, and thought of at- 
tending the quarterly- meeting there ; but on the 
day on which I expected to set forward, I found 
a stop in my mind : though not relieved from a 
solid concern, which engaged me to inquire se- 
cretly what I should do; for notwithstanding 
this concern to Wiltshire, my burden respecting 
London seemed rather to increase ; but as I kept 
quiet, I found my heart warmed in love and my 
mind opened, and influenced to write an Epistle 
to that quarterly- meeting, which with thankful- 
ness I then esteemed a great favour from my 
great and good Master, being in a poor state of 
health, the weather unfavourable, and the jour- 
ney long. So in the opening of Truth, I wrote 
as followeth : 

" To Friends in Wiltshire. 

" Having had strong desires in my mind for 
your welfare in the Truth, I purposed to have 
attended your quarterly-meeting, but being lett 
at this time, and not knowing that I shall ever 
have an opportunity to see you, I feel a freedom 
to visit you with a few lines in the opening and 
love of Truth, which flows to you- ward. 

« Dear Friends, male and female, old and 



192 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

young, as many of you as are desirous to be 
called the children of God, and followers of 
Christ Jesus, be. humble, that you may be taught 
of him ; for it is the humble that he teaches of 
his ways. And be ye meek and low in heart, 
that you may serve him in your generation, and 
one another in his pure fear ; so you will know 
him for your rest, and his peace your quiet ha- 
bitation. 

" My soul hath mourned, and is in some de- 
gree covered therewith at this time, under a 
sense that the love of the world, and its plea- 
sures and earthly delights, abound in too many, 
which is iniquity ; and because thereof the love 
of many towards God waxeth cold ; and for 
want of witnessing the love of God in a pure 
heart, the mind becomes at ease, luke-warm, and 
indifferent about the things which belong to our 
peace and future happiness ; and so fathers and 
mothers, masters and mistresses, become dull, 
if not dead to that holy concern, which should 
ever excite them, both by example and precept, 
to instruct and train up their children and ser- 
vants in all godliness of life and conversation. 

" Oh dear friends ! search your hearts, and 
diligently inquire whether something hath not 
subtilly crept in, and stolen away your affections 
from God ; and the deep attention of your minds 
from the instructions of his holy Spirit of Truth; 
and if this becomes your concern, I fully believe 
that the Lord will bless you with enlightened 
minds to see, and willing hearts to give up all 
to the fire and sword: of his Word and Spirit, 
that your hearts may be purged, and made ta- 
bernacles and temples in which he w r ould take 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 193 

delight to dwell. For if the soul is chaste in 
love to God, and the eye of the mind single to 
the instruction of the Spirit of Truth, the whole 
body will be full of light. It is herein that the 
children of God are preserved safe in their own 
secret steps before the Lord, and free from giv- 
ing occasion of stumbling to others. 

" I am fully persuaded there is a remnant 
amongst you, who feelingly know, that the liv- 
ing sense of the presence and power of God, in 
your meetings both for worship and discipline, 
is not plentifully enjoyed, but is at a low ebb : 
and it is in my mind to let you know what has 
appeared to me to be as one great reason, viz. 
There are many professors of the Truth amongst 
you, who delight to be accounted of as friends 
in esteem in the society; who have a smooth 
and fawning behaviour, and flattering tongues, 
and do seek the love and friendship of such who 
are friends of Truth, for their own honour and 
credit, and the reputation of self. Dear friends, 
of such beware, for their friendship is poison, 
and their intimate fellowship, if cleaved unto, 
is benumbing even to insensibility. And for 
want of a clear discovery of that spirit, some 
of the tender and sincere-hearted amongst you 
have suffered. 

"In whomsoever earthly mindedness pre- 
vails, or the love of the world and its friend- 
ship, there is a secret giving way to, and a gra- 
dual reconciliation with its sordid practices ; 
and the eye that once saw in the true light, be- 
comes closed or dimmed, if not wholly blinded 
by the god of this world. 

R 



194 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

" Liberty is then taken by parents, and in- 
dulgence is given to their children ; which oc- 
casions pain and distress of heart to those who 
have not lost thoir sight and feeling. But some, 
for fear of being rebuked and disesteemed by 
such who have a sense of them, will court their 
affections ; with which bait they have been 
taken, and so have been afraid to speak their 
minds plainly lest they should offend, or drive 
them further from the society; concluding there 
is a tender thing in them, because they seem to 
love friends. And so many who might have 
made great progress have lost ground, for want 
of speaking truth to their neighbours : and thus 
the infection of pride, libertinism, and earthly 
mindedness has spread and prevailed, even to 
the hurt of some families, that were once ex- 
ceedingly grieved therewith. 

" Wherefore, my dear friends, fear God with 
a perfect heart, and in his light watch over your 
own selves and your families. So shall your 
hearts be warmly influenced, and filled with 
holy zeal, and love to God and his Truth ; in 
which you will be bold to act in your meetings 
for discipline ; and in the power of God, which 
is the authority of the church, you will be able 
to judge those who walk disorderly ; and being 
faithful therein, you will remove the stumbling 
blocks, and roll away the reproach which is im- 
puted to the church. 

" Then would the Lord feed such his faith- 
ful labourers with his heavenly bread, and ho- 
nour them with his life-giving presence ; and 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 195 

whether the disorderly would hear or forbear, 
the Lord would be the shield and exceeding 
great reward of his people, and fill their hearts 
with praise to his name, who is worthy forever 
and ever. 

John Churchman." 

London, the 4th of 
the 4th month, 1754. 

Let this be read in your men's, and women's meetings. 

I have before hinted, that in my travelling to 
the meetings in Wiltshire, and attending the 
quarterly-meeting in the seventh month, old 
stile, 1750, 1 was straitened to clear myself to- 
wards them, which occasioned me to leave them 
in pain of mind ; but now having sent them this 
epistle I was made easy, believing they would 
read it, and send copies thereof to their several 
monthly-meetings ; which would be likely to be 
heard by more friends than if my concern had 
been delivered in the quarterly-meeting only. 
Inclosing it to an innocent friend at Chippen- 
ham, I desired him to deliver it to the said meet- 
ing, which I afterwards understood he did, and 
that friends had answered my request. 

Now feeling my mind easy to leave London 
for a while, I went to Esher in Surry, was the 
next day at a large meeting at Kingston on 
Thames, which was pretty open as to doctrine ; 
the people seemed attentive and several much 
tendered ; there are but few friends here. 

I then visited divers other meetings in Hamp- 
shire and Berkshire, being made thankful to 
the great author of all good, who had been 
with me in the journey under my indisposition 



196 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

of body. Coming to London I met with many 
friends from different parts of the nation in or- 
der to attend the yearly-meeting, which began 
on the second day of the sixth month, and con- 
tinued ten days, being a very large, and, in the 
main, a solid meeting. Many weighty affairs 
relating to our religious society were therein 
considered. It was then also agreed, that in 
future this meeting should begin with a meet- 
ing of ministers and elders, on the seventh day 
of the week at the third hour in the afternoon, 
that inquiry might be made into the state of 
the ministry in general, which I hope may be 
attended with good service hereafter. 

On the eleventh of the sixth month and third 
day of the week, after the parting meeting I 
went from London to Margarets, in Hertford- 
shire ; next day attended a yearly -meeting in 
Hertford, which was very large. 

The next day I accompanied several friends 
who were appointed to visit a monthly-meeting, 
the members of which paid tithes, and con- 
tended for liberty so to do without censure. 
We had a conference with them ; in which the 
testimony of Truth being set over them for that 
time, they were taken and confounded in their 
own arguments. 

After this I attended a general or yearly- 
meeting at Baldock, which was very large and 
satisfactory ; returning next morning to Lon- 
don, I was truly thankful that I had been ena- 
bled to attend these three meetings, enjoying 
great peace in my labours there, which lay 
heavy upon me. My gracious and good Mas- 
ter gave me wisdom, boldness, and strength to 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 197 

clear myself in the love and power of Truth, 
to the tendering of many hearts. May I ever 
remember his mercies to me, and be enabled to 
bless and praise his holy name, who is worthy 
for ever ! 

Continuing in and near London about ten 
days, I then went to a large satisfactory meet- 
ing at Rochester in Kent, where were several 
clergymen, who behaved well ; next day had a 
meeting at Loos in the house of Thomas Crisp 
with a few friends and divers others ; then go- 
ing to my friend William Patterson's, at Can- 
terbury, I was at their meeting in that town, 
and the day following had one on the Isle of 
Tlianet, where there are a few friendly people. 
The meeting next day at Dover was pretty 
open. On first day I was at two meetings at 
Folkstone, which were dull and heavy ; though 
there are many friends in that place, amongst 
whom I was favoured with strength to ease my 
mind. 

I then visited the meetings at Marsham, 
Ashford, Tenterden, to which friends of Cole- 
brook came, Gardner-street, Lewis, Bright- 
helmstone, Ifield, Horsham, Shipley, Arundle, 
and Chichester; when finding a concern to visit 
the families of friends in this city, I spent two 
days in the service and had some close exer- 
cise, though a good degree of peace. I also 
attended their two meetings on first day, which 
were heavy and laborious ; for though here are 
some tender people, yet the spirit of the world 
has brought a blast on several professors. 

From hence I went to Gosport in Hampshire 
where we had a meeting; also one in the even- 
b2 



198 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

ing at Portsmouth, John Griffith and Jeremiah 
Waring being with me ; then going to South- 
ampton, went in a boat to Cow es on the Isle of 
Wight, and the day after had a good meeting 
at Newport ; likew ise one in the evening with 
the town's people. After another opportunity 
with friends, returned to Cowes, where I 
had another with a few of our brethren ; so 
went back to Southampton, and on first day the 
twenty-first of the seventh month attended two 
meetings at Pool in Dorsetshire, which were 
dull and laborious ; a worldly libertine spirit 
has brought a blast on many. Next day we 
had a meeting with a few friends at Weymouth, 
then at Bridport; truth seems at a low ebb in 
Dorsetshire. The next meeting was at Ring- 
wood in Hampshire, which was dull : where 
the life of Truth is not abode in, people will 
wither. The same evening we had a meeting 
to pretty good satisfaction at Fordingbridge ; 
then one at Alton ; at which place we had ano- 
ther very satisfactory meeting, on first day, and 
that evening at Godalmen ; the next day had 
a meeting at Capel in Surry and in the even- 
ing at Darking; on the day following at 
Hyegate and in the evening at Croydon ; from 
whence on fourth day morning, the thirty-first 
of the seventh month, coming again to London 
for the last time, I spent eight days more with 
friends in that city. 

On my coming herefrom Albans, on the nine- 
teenth of the third month before-mentioned, I felt 
great fear to possess my mind ; having at sun- 
dry times before spent about thirteen weeks in 
that city, mostly under a close exercise of spirit, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 199 

without an openness to say much in public or 
private to obtain relief; so that to go thither 
again appeared to me like entering into a cloud, 
although I was secretly bound in spirit to pro- 
ceed; but attending all the meetings as they 
came in course, I felt a gradual openness and 
strength to declare those things, which before 
had been sealed up ; being now made sensible, 
that every opening or vision, which the Lord 
is pleased to manifest to his servants, is not for 
immediate utterance : but the Lord who gives 
judgment should be carefully waited upon, who 
only can shew, by the manifestation of his hea- 
venly light, the time when ; and by the gentle 
putting forth of his arm of power, abilitates in 
the opening of his spirit, which giveth tongue 
and utterance to speak the word of Truth, in 
the demonstration of the spirit and power ; that 
openeth a door of entrance in the hearts of them 
who hear. Our dear Lord said, " For it is 
not ye that speak ; but the spirit of your Father, 
which speaketh in you," Mat. x. 20. 

Now as my service opened and strength in- 
creased, I was invited by some in their houses 
to dine, who before looked on me with indiffe- 
rence ; but now said they would be glad to see 
me there to be more acquainted. But as I felt, 
on my first arrival in this city, a secret prohibi- 
tion from going much from house to house with- 
out inward leave, so now the same restraint con- 
tinued with me ; lest by going to such places I 
might somewhat contradict by example, the pre- 
cepts which Truth had directed me to deliver in 
public ; to wit, a life of self-denial and tempe- 
rance in eating and drinking, with a steady in- 



200 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

ward attention to the teachings of the spirit of 
Grace, in order to know an establishment of 
heart thereby, as being the certain duty of every 
follower of Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Thus I think I have seen, that there is great 
need to be exceedingly careful, when the Lord 
is pleased to reach unto and convict disorderly 
walkers by instrumental means, that we do not 
lessen the weight of Divine reproof, by being 
familiar with such as if all was well ; for they 
are apt to be fond of the instrument through 
whom they have been reached ; and if, by their 
fondling, they gain the esteem of such a friend, 
it seems to heal them before their wounds are 
searched to the bottom. So that I rather chose 
retirement, and to live as private as I well could. 
Now I also saw, that if I had sought many ac- 
quaintance, and thereby beheld the conduct and 
behaviour of some in their families, my way 
would not have been so open as it now was. 

In many meetings the love and power of 
Truth was felt by the humble dependent chil- 
dren, whose eyes were fixed on their heavenly 
Helper ; and at some of the last in London, I 
had with an innocent boldness to appeal to 
friends to bear witness of the manner in which 
I had spent my time in that city : that I had 
not sought to be popular, nor endeavoured to 
gain the praise of any, or the friendship of those 
who were not the real friends of Truth, keep- 
ing in a good degree under the innocency and 
simplicity thereof; yet with a near affection I 
felt my spirit united to the children of the hea- 
venly family amongst them ; but had never 
sought to steal their love from the great parent 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 201 

to whom they did belong ; my prayer and 
heart's desire having been, that their abode 
might be in the Truth, and their affections 
placed on God, and the whole delight of their 
hearts to meditate in his holy law. That if 
through me as an instrument they had received 
any benefit, the praise belonged to the Lord, the 
only supreme good ; and if in future they did 
but love, fear and serve him, it was little to me 
whether they ever remembered that I had been 
amongst them. Nevertheless, a participation of 
the love of God by the members of the true 
church, has taught them to know the commu- 
nion of saints, and the deeply engraven unity of 
the one spirit, which makes them as epistles 
written in one another's hearts, which time or 
distance can never erase. 

Having spent first and last in London about 
twenty-three weeks, on the ninth day of the 
eighth month and sixth of the week, after a solid 
meeting at Grace Church-street, I felt myself at 
liberty to set my face homewards. The same ship 
in which I came over, and the same captain, Ste- 
phen Mesnard, being now ready to go for Phila- 
delphia, I went that night to Gravesend accom- 
panied by about twelve friends : the next morn- 
ing we went on board the ship, where we had a 
precious uniting time, and then returned on shore 
to dine. After which my friend Samuel Fother- 
gill and myself taking leave of our friends, went 
on board again, and passed down the Thames 
to Margaret Bay, near the Isle of Thanet. On 
first day the eleventh we went to the Downs by 
Deal. Though very much indisposed in body, 
I enjoyed such quietude of mind, that I was 



202 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

borne up, and preserved from repining. Samuel 
Fothergill before-mentioned, came over with me 
on a religious visit to friends in America ; and 
during our passage, great nearness was between 
lis ; we held meetings constantly on the first and 
fifth days of the week, and landed near Wil- 
mington, in Newcastle county on Delaware, on 
the twenty-fourth of the ninth month, 1754, in 
the forenoon. 

My brother William Brown with our friend 
Joseph Dixon from the county of Durham in 
Great Britain, who was coming over also on a 
religious visit to friends in these colonies, hav- 
ing embarked in another ship, whicli sailed 
some time before us, arrived likewise the same 
day ; and quite unexpected to each other we 
met in this town to our mutual joy and satisfac- 
tion ; from whence after dining, they with Sa- 
muel Fothergill proceeded up to Philadelphia, 
and I went home that evening, where I found a 
kind reception. 

In this visit I was absent from home four 
years and twelve days ; having travelled by 
land about nine thousand one hundred miles, 
and attended about one thousand meetings, be- 
sides those in London and Dublin ; in which ci- 
ties I spent near half a year, and visited all the 
families of friends in North and South Holland. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN, m 



CHAP. V. 

His attending the Quarterly-meetings at Philadelphia 
and Concord — The Yearly-meeting at Philadel- 
phia, and Quarterly-meeting at Shrewsbury in 
New Jersey. — An account of the Exercise attend- 
ing his mind relating to war and the public com- 
motions. — A conference of several Friends thereon, 
with their address to the Assembly of Pennsylvania 
on the subject, and an epistle to Friends in that 
Province in the year 1755. — His attendance of the 
general Spring-meeting in Philadelphia in 1756* 
and some account of the calamities of the Indian 
war in Pennsylvania. — An account of the Yearly- 
meeting in Philadelphia the same year. — A rela- 
tion of a visit of Peter Gardner to Friends in 
Scotland. — A brief account of an Indian treaty at 
Easton in 1757. — Some sentences expressed in two 
of his public testimonies. 

Our yearly-meeting for worship at Notting- 
ham was held in the week after I landed, and 
I was greatly rejoiced to see many of my friends 
and acquaintance there. 

In the eleventh month following I went up 
to the quarterly-meeting in Philadelphia, and 
returned to ours at Concord, where also was 
Samuel Fothergill. It was a very large meet- 
ing, in which he was divinely opened in speak- 
ing to the state of friends in his public ministry, 
and serviceable in the discipline. He also at- 
tended our general-meeting in the same month 
at London-Grove, which was also large and 
profitable ; then went towards Lancaster on his 
way to the southern provinces. 

I spent this winter mostly at and near home; 



204 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

at times attending some neighbouring meetings : 
until towards the spring I took a small journey 
to seven or eight others. 

During my late travels in Europe, beholding 
the declension of many of the professors of 
Truth from the ancient simplicity in habit and 
deportment, I sometimes was ready to cry out 
and say, O Pennsylvania ! may thine inhabit- 
ants be for ever strangers to the vanities of the 
World, and the professors of Truth keep their 
garments clean from the spots thereof, pride 
and superfluity of every kind ; but now, with 
sorrow of heart, I thought I beheld many of the 
youth in our society taking their flight as into 
the air, where the snares of the prince of the 
power thereof are laid to catch them ; some of 
whom being already so much ensnared to their 
unspeakable hurt, I knew them not otherwise 
than by their natural features and a family re- 
semblance ; their demeanour and habit being so 
exceedingly altered in a little more than four 
years ; yet to my comfort I saw a few, who by 
walking in the Light, had escaped the wiles of 
Satan, and were growing in the Truth. 

In the fourth month, 1755, I attended the 
general annual-meeting at Duck-Creek; also 
meetings at Little-Creek and George's-Creek, 
the last of which was more open than I ex- 
pected, several other societies being there, who 
behaved orderly. After which I spent most of 
the summer at home, diligently attending our 
meetings for worship and discipline : and had 
to observe that the general part of the members 
of our meeting, were for some time remarkable 
in their care to come together near the hour ap- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 205 

pointed, and we had some precious opportuni- 
ties, many of which were held in silence; 
wherein I often saw it to be a time of renewed 
visitation to many, which if not carefully im- 
proved, would not be continued very long ; but 
that a more trying season would overtake us ; of 
which I was sometimes led to speak as Truth 
opened, wherein the door of outward ministry 
would be more closed up, which would prove 
the religion of the professors of truth, and mani- 
fest what they attended meetings for ; whether 
to wait upon God for the Spiritual Bread, or 
on man for outward ministry. 

In the ninth month I attended our yearly- 
meeting in Philadelphia, which was large and 
solid ; wherein many weighty matters coming 
under consideration, were concluded to satis- 
faction ; that many friends parted in a feeling 
sense of the overshadowing of the heavenly 
wing, with reverent thankfulness of heart. 

In the tenth month I attended Shrewsbury 
quarterly-meeting in East- Jersey, at which also 
were our friends John Evans and Joseph 
White. It was large ; the sittings thereof be- 
ing favoured with a degree of the divine pre- 
sence ; we also attended the monthly-meeting 
there and had some service ; friends were en- 
couraged to deal with such who were disorder- 
ly in conduct, there having been some slackness 
among them in that respect. 

As the sound of war, and public commotions^ 
had now entered the borders of these heretofore 
peaceful provinces, some solid thoughts attend- 
ed my mind at Shrewsbury, respecting the na- 

s 



■2D6 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

tare of giving money for the king's use ; know- 
ing the same to be intended for the carrying on 
of war. John Evans accompanying me home- 
wards, we took three meetings in our way, the 
last being at Evesham ; at which place I told 
him that I felt an engagement of mind to go to 
Philadelphia, and he consented to go with me. 
When we came to the city, the Assembly of 
Pennsylvania being sitting, we understood that 
a committee of the house was appointed to pre^ 
pare a bill, for granting a sum of money for the 
king's use, to be issued in paper bills of credit, 
to be called in and sunk at a stated time by a 
tax on the inhabitants ; on which account seve- 
ral friends were under a close exercise of mind ; 
some of whom being providentially together, 
and conferring on the subject, concluded it was 
expedient to request a conference with those 
members of the house who were of our religious 
profession. On applying to the Speaker, who 
was one himself, we obtained an opportunity of 
conversing with them ; after which, we believed 
that an address to the Assembly would be neces- 
sary ; but we then being only few in number, 
consulted with several weighty friends thereon. 
At length upwards of twenty met together; who, 
after solidly considering the matter before us, 
were all of opinion that an address to the As- 
sembly would be proper and necessary. Where- 
upon one was drawn up, which being consider- 
ed, agreed to and signed by all of us, we went 
together to the house, and presenting it to the 
Speaker, it was read while we were present; 
a copy whereof here follows, viz. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 207 

To the Representatives of the Freemen of the Province 
of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met. 

The address of some of the people called Qua- 
kers in the said Province, on behalf of them- 
selves and others. 

" The consideration of the measures which 
have lately been pursued, and are now propos- 
ed, having been weightily impressed on our 
minds, we apprehend that w r e should fall short 
of our duty to you, to ourselves, and to our 
brethren in religious fellowship, if we did not 
in this manner inform you, that although we 
shall at all times heartily and freely contribute, 
according to our circumstances, either by the 
payment of taxes, or in such other manner 
as may be judged necessary, towards the exi- 
gencies of government; and sincerely desire 
that due care may be taken, and proper 
funds provided, for raising money to cultivate 
our friendship with our Indian neighbours, 
and to support such of our fellow subjects who 
are or may be in distress, and for such other 
like benevolent purposes : yet as the raising 
sums of money, and putting them into the hands 
of committees, who may apply them to purposes 
inconsistent with the peaceable testimony we 
profess, and have borne to the world, appears to 
us, in its consequences, to be destructive of our 
religious liberties ; we apprehend many among 
us, will be under the necessity of suffering, ra- 
ther than consenting thereto, by the payment of a 
tax for such purposes ; and thus the fundamental 
part of our constitution may be essentially af- 
fected ; and that free enjoyment of liberty of 



208 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

conscience, for the sake of which our forefathers 
left their native country, and settled this, then a 
wilderness, by degrees be violated. 

" We sincerely assure you, we have no tem- 
poral motives for thus addressing you ; and 
could we have preserved peace in our own minds, 
and with each other, we should have declined 
it ; being unwilling to give you any unnecessary 
trouble, and deeply sensible of your difficulty in 
discharging the trust committed to you, irre- 
proachable, in these perilous times ; which hath 
engaged our fervent desires, that the immediate 
instructions of Supreme wisdom may influence 
your minds; and that being preserved in a 
steady attention thereto, you may be enabled to 
secure peace and tranquillity to yourselves, and 
those you represent, by pursuing measures con- 
sistent with our peaceable principles ; and then 
we trust we may continue humbly to confide in 
the protection of that Almighty Power, whose 
providence has heretofore been as walls and 
bulwarks round about us. 

« Philadelphia, 11th Month 7th, 1755." 

A bill was, however, brought in by the com- 
mittee of the Assembly, and a law enacted for 
granting a large sum of money proposed to be 
sunk, or called in by a general tax. 

When this service before related was over, 
which I apprehended it my duty to be concern- 
ed in, I returned home ; but a close exercise 
remained on me as well as on the minds of di- 
vers other friends, on account of the law now 
passed ; and as care had been taken to apprise 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £09 

the Assembly of the solid sentiments of friends 
thereon, that we apprehended our charter re- 
specting liberty of conscience would thereby be 
affected, therefore a large committee of the year- 
ly-meeting, which had been appointed to visit 
the quarterly and monthly-meetings, met at 
Philadelphia in the twelfth month, had a con- 
ference thereon, together with another committee 
nominated to correspond with the meeting for 
sufferings in London ; and after several solid 
opportunities of waiting on the Lord to be right- 
ly instructed ; in which being favoured with a 
renewed sense of the ownings of Truth, many 
friends thought they could not be clear as faithful 
watchmen, without communicating to their breth- 
ren, their mind and judgment concerning the pay. 
ment of such a tax; for which purpose an epis- 
tle was prepared, considered, agreed to, and 
signed by twenty-one friends ; copies thereof 
were concluded to be communicated to the 
monthly-meetings, being as follows, viz. 

An Epistle of tender love and caution to Friendjs 
in Pennsylvania. 

" Dear and well-beloved Friends, 
u We salute you in a fresh and renewed sense 
of our Heavenly Father's Love, which hath 
graciously overshadowed us in several weighty 
and solid conferences we have had together, with 
many other friends, upon the present situation 
of the affairs of the society in this province ; and 
in that love, we find our spirits engaged to ac- 
quaint you, that under a solid exercise of mind 
to seek for council and direction, from the High 
s 2 



210 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

Priest of our profession, who is the Prince of 
Peace ; we believe he hath renewedly favour- 
ed us with strong and lively evidences, that in 
his due and appointed time, the day which hath 
dawned in these latter ages, foretold by the Pro- 
phet, wherein swords should be beaten into 
plough- shares, and spears into pruning-hooks, 
shall gloriously rise higher and higher ; and the 
Spirit of the Gospel, which teaches to love ene- 
mies, prevail to that degree, that the art of war 
shall be no more learned. And that it is his 
determination to exalt this blessed day, in this 
our age, if in the depth of humility we receive 
his instructions, and obey his voice. And be- 
ing painfully apprehensive, that the large sum 
granted by the late Act of Assembly for the 
king's use, is principally intended for purposes 
inconsistent with our peaceable testimony ; we 
therefore think, that as we cannot be concerned 
in wars and fightings, so neither ought we to 
contribute thereto, by paying the tax directed by 
the said act, though suffering be the consequence 
of our refusal, which we hope to be enabled to 
bear with patience. And though some part of 
the money to be raised by the said act, is said to 
be for such benevolent purposes, as supporting 
our friendship with our Indian neighbours, and 
relieving the distresses of our fellow subjects, 
who have suffered in the present calamities, for 
whom our hearts are deeply pained ; and we af- 
fectionately, and with bowels of tenderness, sym- 
pathize with them therein ; and we could most 
cheerfully contribute to those purposes, if they 
vrere not so mixed, that we cannot, in the man- 
ner proposed, shew our hearty concurrence there- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 211 

with, without at the same time assenting to, or 
allowing ourselves in practices, which we ap- 
prehend contrary to the testimony which the 
Lord hath given us to hear, for his name and 
truth's sake. 

"And having the health and prosperity of 
the society at heart, we earnestly exhort friends 
to wait for the appearing of the true Light, and 
stand in the council of God, that we may know 
him to he the Rock of Salvation, and place of 
refuge for ever. And beware of the spirit of 
the world, that is unstable, and often draws into 
dark and timorous reasonings ; lest the god 
thereof should be suffered to blind the eye of 
the mind. And such, not knowing the sure 
Foundation, the Rock of Ages, may partake of 
the terrors and fears, that are not known to the 
inhabitants of that place, where the sheep and 
lambs of Christ ever had a quiet habitation; 
which a remnant have to say, to the praise of his 
name, they have been blessed with a measure of, 
in this day of distress. 

" And as our fidelity to the present govern- 
ment, and our willingly paying all taxes for 
purposes which do not interfere with our con- 
sciences, may justly exempt us from the impu- 
tation of disloyalty : so we earnestly desire that 
all who by a deep and quiet seeking for direc- 
tion from the Holy Spirit, are or shall be con- 
vinced that he calls us as a people to this testimo- 
ny ; may dwell under the guidance of the same Di- 
vine Spirit, and manifest by the meekness and 
humility of their conversation, that they are really 
under that influence ; and therein may know 
true fortitude and patience to bear that ; and every 



212 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

other testimony committed to them, faithfully 
and uniformly. And that all friends may know 
their spirits cloathed and covered with true 
charity, the bond of christian fellowship, where- 
in we again tenderly salute you, and remain 
your Friends and Brethren." 

" Philadelphia, 12th Mouth 16th, 1755." 

In the year 1756 I attended our general 
spring meeting in Philadelphia, at which we 
had the company of our dear friends Samuel 
Fothergill and Catherine Pay ton from Great 
Britain, and her companion Mary Peasley from 
Ireland ; and it was a solemn edifying meeting. 

The Indians having; burnt several houses on 
the frontiers of this province, also at Gnaden- 
hutten in Northampton county, and murdered 
and scalped some of the inhabitants ; at the 
time of this meeting two or three of the dead bo- 
dies were brought to Philadelphia in a waggon, 
with an intent, as was supposed, to animate the 
people to unite in preparations of war to take 
vengeance on the Indians, and destroy them. 
They were carried along several of the streets, 
many people following, cursing the Indians, 
also the Quakers, because they would not join 
in war for destruction of the Indians. The 
sight of the dead bodies and the outcry of the 
people, were very afflicting and shocking to me. 
Standing at the door of a friend's house as they 
passed along, my mind was humbled and turned 
much inward, when I was made secretly to cry ; 
What will become of Pennsylvania? For it 
felt to me that many did not consider, that the 
sins of the inhabitants, pride ; profane swearing; 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. v 213 

drunkenness with other wickedness, were the 
cause, that the Lord had suffered this calamity 
and scourge to come upon them. The weight 
of my exercise increasing as I walked along the 
street ; at length it was said in my soul, This 
land is polluted with blood, and in the day of 
inquisition for blood, it will not only be required 
at the frontiers and borders, but even in this 
place where these bodies are now seen. I said 
within myself, " How can this be ? since this 
has been a land of peace, and as yet not much 
concerned in war ;" but, as it were, in a moment 
mine eyes turned to the case of the poor en- 
slaved negroes. And however light a matter 
they who have been concerned with them may 
look upon the purchasing, selling, or keeping 
those oppressed people in slavery, it then ap- 
peared plain to me, that such were partakers in 
iniquity, enoouragers of war and the shedding 
of innocent blood ; which is often the case, 
where those unhappy people are or have been 
captivated and brought away for slaves. The 
same day I went to Pine-street meeting under 
an exercising mournful state of mind, and 
thought I could be willing to sit among the peo- 
ple undiscovered. 

I attended our quarterly- meeting at Con- 
cord in the fifth month, and in a few days after 
went to the yearly-meeting at West-River in 
Maryland, which was large and in a good de- 
gree satisfactory ; then going to meeting at Her- 
ring-Creek, and the Clifts, returned the follow- 
ing first day to West-River, where I had a good 
opportunity to clear myself towards friends of 
that place ; being concerned on account of se* 



214 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

veral of the elders, who did not conduct so ex- 
emplary as they ought before the youth ; and 
left them relieved in my mind. From thence I 
returned home, taking several meetings in my 
way. 

In the ninth month I was at our yearly-meet- 
ing for Pennsylvania and New Jersey, held 
this year at Burlington, which was large and 
edifying ; many weighty matters being in much 
brotherly love resulted to satisfaction. Our 
friend Thomas Gawthrop from Great Britain 
was there. In the time thereof our worthy 
friend and brother John Evans of Gwynnedd 
departing this life, Thomas and I went to attend 
the burial ; on which solemn occasion, he had a 
seasonable opportunity to remind a large gather- 
ing of people of their latter end, and I thought 
it was a solid time. 

Being one of the committee appointed by the 
yearly- meeting to visit the quarterly and month- 
ly-meetings, I was careful in attending on that 
service, as way was opened in company with 
other friends ; as likewise our meeting for suf- 
ferings this year established, which is held 
monthly in Philadelphia; frequently taking 
meetings in my way goiug and returning. 

In the spring of the year 1757> I also attended 
our general-meeting for ministers and elders 
held at Philadelphia. 

Having often remembered a remarkable ac- 
count given me when in England by our ancient 
worthy friend John Richardson ; which as it 
made some impression on my mind I committed 
to writing, and now reviving, think it is worthy 
to be preserved ; being nearly as follows, though 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £15 

I was not particular in regard to the time of the 
occurrence : viz. 

" Peter Gardner, a friend who lived in Es- 
sex, had a concern to visit friends in Scotland ; 
but being low in circumstances, and having a 
wife and several children, was under discou- 
ragement about it. The Lord in mercy conde- 
scended to remove his doubts, by letting him 
know he would be with him ; and though he 
had no horse to ride, and was but a weakly man, 
yet he would give him strength to perform the 
journey, and sustain him so that he should not 
want for what was sufficient. And having faith, 
he laid his coucern before the monthly-meeting 
he belonged to, with innocent weight; and 
friends concurring with him therein, he took his 
journey along the east side of the nation, through 
Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire; and com- 
ing to a week-day meeting at Bridlington, where 
John Richardson then dwelt, he lodged at his 
house. In the evening, the doors being shut, 
Peter asked him if any friend lived that way, 
pointing with his finger. John told him lie 
pointed towards the sea, which was not far from 
thence. He said he believed he must go and 
see somebodv that way in the morning ; John 
asked him ii he should go with him? he said 
he believed it would not be best, and so went 
to bed. 

•'•' In the morning when John's wife had pre- 
pared breakfast, he thought he would go and 
see if the friend was well, but found the bed 
empty, and that he was gone; at which John 
Richardson wondered; but soon after Peter 
came in, to whom John said, thou hast taken a 



£16 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

morning walk, come to breakfast. And before 
they had done eating, a friend from the quay or 
harbour, the way that Peter Gardner pointed to 
over night, came in and said, " I wonder at thee 
John, to send this man with such a message to 
my house ;" and related as follows ; viz. That 
he came to him as he was standing at the Fish- 
market-place, looking on the sea, to observe the * 
wind. That he asked him if he would walk 
into his house. To which Peter answered that 
he came for that purpose. This was in the twi- 
light of the morning. That when he went into 
the house, he inquired whether his wife was 
well ; to which the man answered, that she was 
sick in bed, and invited him to go in and see 
her; he said he came so to do. Then being 
conducted into the chamber where the sick wo- 
man was, he sat down by her, and after a short 
time told her, the will and resignation of her 
mind was accepted instead of the deed ; and that 
she was excused from the journey which had 
been before her, and should die in peace with 
God and men. Then turning to the man, her 
husband, he said ; thy wife had a concern to 
visit the churches in another country beyond the 
sea, but thou wouldst not give her leave, so she 
shall betaken from thee ; and behold, the Lord's 
hand is against thee, and thou shalt be blasted 
in whatsoever thou doest, and reduced to want 
thy bread. So the man seemed angry with 
John Richardson, who said to him, " Be still, 
and weigh the matter ; for I knew not of the 
friend's going to thy house ; but thought he was 
in bed, and did not inform him about thee nor thy 
wife." At which he went away. So Peter 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 217 

pursued his journey towards Scotland, John 
Richardson and another friend going with him 
to Scarborough on horse-back, for he would not 
let them go on foot with him ; he kept before 
them full as fast as they chose to ride ; and 
when they had gone about half-way, he gained 
ground of them; and John said he was filled 
with admiration, for he seemed to go with more 
slight and ease, he thought, than ever he had 
seen any man before. And riding fast to over- 
take him, he thought he beheld a small white 
cloud as it were encompassing his head. When 
he overtook him, John said to him, Thou dost 
travel very fast. Peter replied, my Master told 
me before I left home, that he would give me 
hind's feet, and he hath performed his promise 
to me. 

" When they came in sight of Scarborough, 
Peter said, take me to a friend's house if there 
is any there. John replied, I will take thee to 
the place where I lodge, and if thou art not easy 
there, I will go until we find a place, if it may 
be. So John Richardson took him to his lodg- 
ings, and just as they entered the door, they 
heard some one go up stairs, and anon the wo- 
man friend of the house coming down with a 
neighbour of hers invited them to sit down ; 
and in a short time, Peter saith, here is light 
and darkness, good and bad in this house. The 
woman, after she had got them some refresh- 
ment, came and asked John, " who hast thou 
brought here?" A man of God, he replied. 
Having a meeting at Scarborough the next day, 
John Richardson staid with him, and said he 
had good service ; he also went with him to 

T 



218 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

several friends houses there, and he frequently 
spake his sense of the state of the families : but 
as they were near entering one house, Peter 
stopped, and said, my master is not there, I 
will not go in, so they turned away. 

" Next morning at parting, John Richardson 
asked him how he was prepared for money, 
telling him the journey was long; to whom 
Peter answered, I have enough, my Master 
told me I should not want ; and now, a bit of 
bread, and some water from a brook refreshes 
me as much as a set meal at a table. But John 
insisted to see how much money he had, which 
was but two half-crowns. Upon which John 
took a handful of small pieces out of his pock- 
et, and forced Peter to take them, telling him it 
was as free to him as his own, for so the Lord 
had put it into his heart. Thus they parted, 
John and the other friend returning home. 

"In about two weeks afterwards the man/s 
wife before-mentioned died, as Peter had fore- 
told. At that time, the same man had three 
ships at sea, his son was master of one, a second 
son was on board another, and in their voyages 
they were all wrecked or foundered and their 
cargoes chiefly lost ; his two sons and several 
of the hands being drowned. The man soon 
after broke and could not pay his debts, but 
came to want bread before he died, though he 
had been in good circumstances, if not very rich. 

" John Richardson further said, That after 
some time he heard Peter Gardner was dead in 
Cumberland, on his return from Scotland : and 
being attached to him in near affection, he went 
to inquire how he ended. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 219 

u John Bowstead, a noted friend near Car- 
lisle, gave him an account that Peter had been 
through Scotland, and came to Carlisle; and 
the small pox being there, he took the infection 
very suddenly and lay ill with it. So J. Bow- 
stead went just as the pock was coming out on 
him, and took him to his house. They never 
came out kindly, but swelled him very much, 
so that he was blind, and died about the seventh 
day ; was quite sensible to the last, and knew 
the states of those who came to see him. He 
had enough to pay his funeral charges." 

On the twelfth of the seventh month this year 
I left home, in order to attend a treaty to be 
held between the Indians and our government, 
at Easton, in Northampton county ; and pro- 
ceeded to Philadelphia, where I was present at 
several conferences with friends, the governor 
having declared his dislike to their attendance 
at that treaty, or their distinguishing themselves 
by giving the Indians any presents. The re- 
sult was, that as mutual tokens of the revival 
of ancient friendship had passed between them 
and the Indians, with a view to promote a ge- 
neral peace ; it would be of bad consequence 
now to neglect or decline attending on this im- 
portant occasion ; though it was judged neces- 
sary for friends to act with great caution. We 
therefore set forward, and taking a meeting at 
Gwynnedd in the way, reached Easton on fourth 
day the twenty-first of the month, the governor 
being got there about two hours before us ; but 
did not enter on business that day. 

Many friends from Philadelphia and other 
parts being here collected, we held a meeting 



220 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

on fifth day, which was low and dull, things ap- 
pearing very dark. In the afternoon the In- 
dians with Teedyuscung their king, or chief 
man, went to the governor, and signified the 
sincerity of their intentions to promote the good 
work of peace : when he delivered several strings 
and belts of wampum, in order to certify the full 
power and authority given to Teedyuscung for 
that purpose ; who also desired, that as things 
had heretofore been misunderstood or forgotten, 
he might have the liberty to choose a clerk to 
take the minutes of the transactions at this treaty 
on behalf of the Indians ; which was put off by 
the governor at that time. 

Next morning Teedyuscung renewed the 
same request, but was again put by. Then the 
Indians began to be very uneasy, from an ap- 
prehension that some people from the Jersey 
side of the river were likely to rise, with a de- 
sign to destroy them ; but on going to converse 
with them, and giving them some pipes and to- 
bacco, which they were told was a present from 
friends, they became more quiet, and seemingly 
pacified. This day and the next there was lit- 
tle business done. 

On first day the twenty-fourth of the month, 
friends held a public meeting in the Treaty- 
booth to pretty good satisfaction; to which a 
great number of people came, two friends having 
acceptable service therein. In the afternoon 
friends met again ; but there seemed so great a 
cloud over the meeting, by reason of a raw care- 
less spirit prevailing over the minds of the peo- 
ple, as though there was no God, notwithstanding 
his judgments are so conspicuous, especially in 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £21 

these parts of the country, that life did not arise 
in this meeting. About sunset this evening we 
heard that the Mohawk Indians had requested 
to have a fire made to dance round, which the 
governor allowed, as he had the evening before 
to the Delawares ; with both which we were 
very uneasy, as the tendency thereof was to 
make the Indians drunk ; but no endeavours 
of ours could prevent it. 

On second day morning the governor agreed 
to allow the Indian king to choose himself a 
clerk, which he did; and about one o'clock 
that day the treaty was first opened in public; 
when Teedyuscung was desired fully to inform, 
with an open heart, wherein he apprehended 
the Indians had been defrauded by the propri- 
etaries ; to which he answered that he would 
to-morrow ; but they must first clean up the 
blood, as he expressed it, and bury the dead 
bodies. Next day being again met, the king 
said, " that according to his word, he had now 
met some of the several nations to do what they 
could for settling peace ; but now in the first 
place he had seen and considered the black 
cloud that hung over the land, the blood and 
bodies of the people who had suffered ;" and 
then said, " I have gathered up the stained 
leaves, the blood and dead bodies, and looked 
round about, when all seemed terrible, that I 
could find no place to hide them ; but looking 
up, I saw the great and good Spirit above ; let 
us heartily join in prayer to him, that he may 
give us power to bury all these things out of 
our sight, that neither the evil spirit, nor any 
wicked person may ever be able to raise them ; 



22£ THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

that we may love like brethren, and the sun may 
shine clear upon us ; that we, our wives, our 
young men and children, may rejoice in a last- 
ing peace ; that we may eat the fruits of the 
earth, and they may do us good, so that we 
may enjoy peace in the day time, and at night 
lay down and sleep in it" Gave a belt of se- 
venteen rows of wampum. 

By another belt he told the governor, that 
he took him by one hand, and the five nations 
of Indians and their allies took him by the 
other; therefore said he, let us all stand as one 
man, with one heart and one mind, and join in 
this good work of peace. When we intend to 
lift or remove a great weight, we must be strong, 
if all do not exert themselves we can never do 
it ; but if all heartily join, it is easy to remove 
it. Our forefathers did not proceed right when 
they met together, they looked at the earth and 
things present, which will soon pass out of our 
sight ; but did not look forward to the good of 
posterity. Let us set out right, and do better 
than they did ; that a peace may be settled 
which may last to our children. 

He next acquainted the governor, that one of 
the messengers who had gone on a late message 
to the Indians afar off, meaning Moses Tata- 
my's son, was shot on his return by one of our 
young men, and lay in a dangerous condition ; 
and by a string of wampum insisted, that if he 
died, the other should be tried by our law, and 
suffer death also ; and that some of their peo- 
ple should be present, to be able to inform the 
other nations of Indians of the justice done. 
He also revived the ancient agreement, that if 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £25 

any of them should commit the like offence, the 
criminal should be delivered up to be tried ac- 
cording to our laws, and suffer death in the 
same manner. 

On fourth day there was no public treaty, 
things seemed in much confusion and very dull ; 
but friends kept quiet. The next day I found 
myself much indisposed, and therefore thought 
it best to leave Easton before the treaty ended ; 
but before I left it friends had a solemn oppor- 
tunity together, at which time I thought I saw, 
that the working of the dark revengeful spirit, 
which opposed the measures of peace, was one 
reason why friends were so baptised into dis- 
tress and suffering, of which I made some men- 
tion to friends ; and that if they kept quiet, the 
clouds as to them would somewhat break away. 
Daniel Stanton had a solemn time in supplica- 
tion. After this meeting taking leave of friends, 
I rode to Richland, and though my distemper 
increased and I was very ill, I pursued my 
journey the next day, and the day following 
reached Philadelphia ; where I was carefully 
attended through a time of tedious and close 
affliction ; my dear wife coming to me in my ill- 
ness, was also taken with the same disorder, 
that we were not able to move homewards until 
the twenty-third of the eighth month ; but 
through the goodness of kind providence in 
supporting us, got to our own habitation the 
next day in the evening ; where after about a 
week's stay, I set out again to attend the meet- 
ing for sufferings in Philadelphia, and though 
very weak, got there. After tarrying part of 
three days in town, went forward in order to 



224 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

attend the monthly-meetings in Bucks county, 
of which I had a view while I lay sick ; when it 
appeared to me the way to recover my strength 
was to be faithful to every discovery of duty. 
Accordingly, in company with several other 
friends appointed by the yearly -meeting, I vi- 
sited the several monthly-meetings in that 
county ; in some of which a good degree of the 
divine presence being felt, was cause of thank- 
fulness ; though at one of them we had some re- 
markable close work, both in the time of wor- 
ship and discipline. 

Returning to Philadelphia I perceived myself 
much recovered, spent five days there attending 
meetings as they came in course ; and then went 
to Newtown meeting in Chester county, which 
was small, there being an evident slackness of 
attending week-day meetings. From thence I 
went to Uwchlan, to the marriage of William 
Trimble and Phoebe Thomas, which was a good 
meeting ; where I met my dear wife on her way 
to the yearly- meeting at Philadelphia; and af- 
ter attending a meeting at Merion, we went into 
the city the next evening. Our friends Thomas 
Gawthrop, Samuel Spavold, William Reckitt 
and others from Great Britain, also Thomas 
Nicholson from North- Carolina, were at this 
yearly-meeting; which was large and satisfac- 
tory, holding from the seventeenth to the twenty- 
fourth of the ninth month, 1757- 

Here I may note, that before I left home to 
attend the late Indian treaty at Easton ; in my 
sleep I thought I was riding eastward in the 
twilight, and saw a light before me towards sun- 
rising, which did not appear to be a common 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 5225 

light, but soon observed the appearance of some- 
thing therein ; whereat the beast that I rode 
was much affrighted and would have ran from 
it, which I knew would be in vain ; for I took 
it to be an Angel, whose motion was as swift as 
thought ; so rather stopt and reined in my 
beast towards it. It was encompassed with a 
brightness like a rainbow, with a large loose 
garment of the same colour down to the feet. It 
rather seemed to move even along than to walk, 
and then stood still in the midst of many curi- 
ous stacks of corn. It was of a human form, 
about seven feet high, as I thought ; and smil- 
ing on me, asked where I was going ; I said 
towards yonder building, which I thought was 
an elegant one directly before me ; it seemed to 
approve my way and vanished upwards. Then 
I awakened and had particularly to remember 
the complexion of this angelic apparition, which 
was not much different from one of the Indians 
clean washed from his grease and filth ; remem- 
bering my dream very fresh, when I had seen 
the Indians at the treaty, and bad heard some 
matters remarkably spoken by some particulars 
of them ; I was made to believe, it was not un- 
reasonable to conclude, that the Lord was in 
them by his good spirit, and that all colours 
were equal to him, who gave life and being to 
all mankind. We should therefore be careful 
to examine deeper than the outward appearance, 
with a tender regard to station and education, 
if we desire to be preserved from error in judg- 
ment. 



226 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 



The following sentences being delivered in two 
of his public testimonies, were soon after 
committed to writing by a friend who was 
present, and appearing worthy to be further 
preserved are now communicated, viz. 

In a first-day meeting at East Nottingham, 
the nineteenth of the twelfth month, 17^6, he 
expressed nearly as follows. 

" I felt my mind in this meeting remarkably 
drawn from outward observation, and was com- 
manded to centre in deep and awful silence, 
wherein there was such a flowing of good will 
to mankind, as is scarcely to be uttered by the 
tongue ; but thus centring with diligent atten- 
tion, I thought I felt a strong power of darkness 
and stupid ignorance, seemingly combined to 
make war against this solemn attention of mind ; 
yet, after patiently waiting some time, to my 
comfort I felt a secret victory, and the darkness 
vanished. Then a voice was uttered in me, at- 
tended, I thought, with Divine authority, thus: 
I will bow the inhabitants of the earth, and 
particularly of this land, and I will make them 
fear and reverence me, either in mercy or in 
judgment. Hereupon a prospect immediately 
opened to my view of a day of calamity and 
sore distress which was approaching ; and in 
which the careless and stupid professors, who 
are easy, and not concerned to properly wor- 
ship and adore the Almighty, and have not la- 
boured to witness their foundation to be laid on 
him the immoveable Rock, will be greatly sur- 
prised with fearfulness ; and on the behalf of 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £27 

such, a piercing cry and lamentation ran through 
me, thus : Alas for the clay ! Alas for the day ! 
Wo is me ! several times repeated, and a voice 
which seemed to be connected with the forego- 
ing, said further, Yet once more saith the Lord, 
I shake not the earth only but also heaven. Not 
only the situation of those that know not any 
place of safety or refuge, that which is outward 
and earthly ; but also those who assume a higher 
place ; and in their specious appearances, and 
false pretences amongst men, do value them- 
selves on their assumed goodness, and would 
fain be accounted of the highest rank, and even 
place themselves among the saints, and are by 
some accounted as stars in the firmament ; vet 
in the day of my power, wherein I shall shake 
the heavens aud the earth, those stars shall fall 
to the ground. 

" In the opening, something within me was 
ready to say, Amen, so be it OLord Almighty! 
cut short thy work in the earth, in order that 
thou inay'st put an end to sin, and finish trans- 
gression ; that thy fear, and the knowledge of 
thee, may cover the earth, as the waters cover 
the sea. Wherefore, my friends, the fervent 
desire of my soul is, that all present may with 
diligence labour to have your minds truly cen- 
tred and humbled before God, to know a being 
fixed on that foundation which only standeth 
sure ; that in a time of outward distress, which 
perhaps may come in your day, ye may find a 
place of safety and refuge." All which, with 
more to the like effect, was delivered in great 
humility and brokenness. 



£23 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

At a week-day meeting at the same place the 
seventeenth of the second month, 1757? several 
persons, by unseasonable coming in, had inter- 
rupted the quiet of the meeting; he gave a suit- 
able caution in that respect, in gentle winning 
terms, reminding those met of the awfulness and 
solemnity which should attend us when we ap- 
proach the presence of him who is most Holy ; 
and in what reverence, fear and care, we ought 
to come together, not forgetting the hour ap- 
pointed ; and then expressed nearly as follows. 

" A certain sentence has been presented to the 
view of my mind, which seemed to contain a gen- 
tle engaging caution, and matter of instruction to 
me, attended with sweetness ; which was, Work 
while it is day. Friends, this is our day, where- 
in we ought to be diligent and industrious : in 
the light of the day we may sec, and under- 
stand how to work, and what to do ; that at 
the conclusion we may obtain from the Master 
of the day who dwelleth in light, the answer 
of well done ; for the night will come, wherein 
no man can work. We are now favoured with 
liberty in this our day, to assemble together for 
worship unmolested; and my hearty desire is, 
that we may properly improve this mercy ; for 
the time to some of us may come, before our 
day in this life is closed, wherein this privilege, 
may, in some measure, be taken from us. Some- 
thing in me would be ready to say, The Lord 
forbid that should be the case ; but by reason of 
the great declension which has overspread the 
church, I hardly dare to expect any other. Oh 
may we therefore be careful to prize the mercy 
of God, and endeavour to gain an inheritance in 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 229 

the light ; that when night overtakes, and dark- 
ness as to the outward may hang over us, we 
may be favoured to withdraw into the sure hid- 
ing place, and know a quiet habitation!" 



CHAP. VL 

Sundry visits to Meetings in Pennsylvania and New 
Jersey. — Also in Maryland and Virginia. — His 
apprehensions of duty to proceed on a visit to Bar- 
badoes, and resignation thereto, but at length be- 
came most easy to decline it. — The settlement of 
Uwchlan Monthly-meeting with his Epistle to 
Friends there. — Also some weighty expressions 
uttered in the time of his Sickness in the Year 1761. 

Having some drawings in my mind to visit 
the meetings of friends in the counties of Phila- 
delphia and Bucks, being also under an ap- 
pointment of the yearly-meeting to join with 
some others in a visit to the monthly meetings ; 
in order to proceed on my service, I acquainted 
our monthly- meeting at Nottingham ; with 
whose concurrence I left home on the third of 
the twelfth month 1757> accompanied by a near 
relation, and attended Darby meeting on first 
day; wherein though life and the power of 
Truth seemed to be low, I thought the humble 
waiters were encouraged. We went to the 
evening meeting in Philadelphia, next morning 
attended the meeting of ministers and elders, 
and the day following a meeting at the Bank ; 
also a meeting for sufferings ; and on fourth day 
returned to Darby to their monthly-meeting, 

v 



230 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

where we found friends under a strait about 
disowning one among them, who denied the 
divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: 
on whom they had bestowed much labour to 
convince him of his error. The meeting ended 
well ; the company of the friends who attended 
it being acceptable and of service. We were 
next day at Haverford monthly-meeting held at 
Radnor, where the lively exercise of the dis- 
cipline appeared to be very low, yet I was glad 
I was there. During the time of the business, 
feeling a concern on my mind to appoint a meet- 
ing at Haverford to be held the next day, I 
proposed it for concurrence ; which being rea- 
dily agreed to, we attended there accordingly ; 
and had a large meeting much to satisfaction, 
having great peace in observing the motion of 
Truth respecting this appointment. On the fol- 
lowing day accompanied by my friend Hugh 
Evans, I visited some ancient friends, who by 
reason of old age and indisposition could not 
get out to meetings ; wherein I was favoured 
with that peace, which I have often experi- 
enced to attend the acceptable work of visit- 
ing the afflicted. On first day, after a satisfac- 
tory meeting at Merion, I went to the even- 
ing meeting in Philadelphia, in which Truth 
favoured with a degree of openness, to the 
instruction and comfort of many. On third 
day afternoon, accompanied by my brother Wil- 
liam Brown, went forward to Richland monthly- 
meeting held on the fifth day, where we had 
some close hard work; which generally hap- 
pens when a lifeless formal spirit hath the pre- 
valence in managing the aftairs of the church, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £31 

for want of feeling after and waiting for the true 
authority, even the power of God ; yet we were 
glad that we were there. From thence my 
brother returned home, the rest of us going to 
an appointed meeting at Plumstead, which, 
though the weather was severely cold, was 
large and comfortable ; in the sense whereof we 
were thankful to the author of all good. The 
meeting next day at Buckingham was small but 
satisfactory. I have often observed, that the 
severity of the weather is not a sufficient excuse 
for the Lord's panting children to neglect public 
worship, which is a duty incumbent on us and 
due to his glorious name. At Wrightstown 
meeting the next day, the Master of our assem- 
blies was pleased to appear in an eminent man- 
ner, to the comfort of the poor, instruction of 
the inquirers, rebuke of the backsliders, and 
edification of many; for which the sacrifice of 
thanksgiving and praise was oftered to him, 
who alone is worthy for ever. After this meet- 
ing I felt the value of that peace, which by the 
humble is better felt than expressed. We had 
next a good meeting at Makefield, at which 
were many seeking tender young people ; then 
attended the Falls preparative meeting, which 
was satisfactory, a comfortable degree of unity 
subsisting among friends. Our next meeting 
was at Bristol, in which, after a dark distress- 
ing time in silence, what I had to communicate 
was introduced by a question thus, " Are you 
sound in faith and practice ?" And I was led 
to set forth, " That to profess and acknowledge 
even sacred Truths, without a life of self-denial 
with an answerable honest conduct, was no way 



£32 THE LIFE A3D TRAVELS 

sufficient ; that being a dead faith, which pro- 
duceth not good works in him who saith he 
believeth; shewing what stumbling blocks the 
nominal professors are, who by their example 
plainly manifest, that they are not possessors of 
what they profess to have, and are the greatest 
enemies the Truth hath ; which I was doubtful 
was the case with some among them. I had 
peace in this plain dealing. Our next was a 
laborious meeting at Byberry, yet yielded a de- 
gree of the same peace. A friend afterwards 
told me that the state of the meeting was clearly 
spoken to, which I relate not for any praise to 
man ; but that it was an additional confirmation 
of the Lord's sufficiency to his own work ; and 
when we are weak, foolish or contemptible in 
our esteem, his strength appears, and his wis- 
dom inspires with true knowledge, whereby he 
magnifieth himself. We went home with our 
friend James Thornton, and next day to Hors- 
ham, where was a large and good meeting; 
after which we had a comfortable time in the 
family of John Cadwalader. Next day we at- 
tended the monthly-meeting at Abington in com- 
pany with Samuel Eastburn and Joseph White. 
We found things low here, because of a want 
of that strength in which stands the authority 
of the church. It is only the pure wisdom from 
above that preserves friends in peace, meekness, 
gentleness, and unanimity in the distribution 
of right justice and judgment in the church of 
Christ. 

We were next day at Gwynnedd monthly- 
meeting; which was a precious time through 
the power of that sacred name, which is as oint- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £33 

ment poured forth, the savour whereof continued 
through both worship and discipline, in which 
the faithful were mutually comforted. We 
from thence went to Ellen Evans's, and had an 
evening meeting ; some of the neighbours com- 
ing in, several friends were much enlarged in 
counsel, and the opportunity ended in solemn 
prayer and thanksgiving. 

We went from thence to Exeter monthly- 
meeting, which ended to satisfaction in the 
main ; then home with our friend Ellis Hugh, 
where Joseph White and Samuel Eastburn left 
us to return homewards. My companion and 
I proceeding to Reading, had a public meeting 
in the Court-house, which I thought was pretty 
well, considering the company, many loose 
people attending ; but Truth seemed to come 
into dominion and quieted them, that the meet- 
ing ended in a degree of awful sweetness. 

On first day, being also the first of the new- 
year, 1758, we were at Maiden Creek meeting; 
which although a low time, afforded peace and 
comfort, from a prospect that there were among 
the youth in particular, some true branches of 
the vine of Life, who therefore could not be 
satisfied without the living sap from the Holy 
root, and in the Lord's time would be favoured 
therewith, if there was a patient waiting for 
that springing season. We returned to Read- 
ing that evening, to a meeting held by appoint- 
ment at a friend's house, for the members of our 
society in that town, in the attendance of which 
I found peace. Crossing the river Schuylkill, 
we were next day at Robinson or the Forest 
meeting ; after which I was much humbled in 

v 2 



234 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

a sense of the great condescension and mercy 
of the Lord our God, who was pleased to re- 
new the reaches of his power to several, who 
had many years made profession of the pure 
Truth, and yet dwelt in that which is impure, 
as drinking to excess and other evils ; some of 
whom I knew, but did not know that they were 
there till the meeting was over. The weak were 
strengthened and the humble seekers encouraged, 
and great love flowed towards the youth. Ile- 
turning again over Schuylkill, we went to that 
called Evans's meeting, which was very open for 
doctrine, several not of our society being present. 
The first sentences that appeared in my view were, 
many are called, but few are chosen ; attended 
with such weakness and such a sense of my 
own foolishness and inability for handling that 
subject, that I was afraid, because I had a se- 
cret apprehension that some would incline to 
make an advantage of those words, but few are 
chosen, in applying them to strengthen them- 
selves in the corrupt manner in which they hold 
election ; but it appeared that the words, all 
liave not obeyed, was the reason why so few 
are chosen. My mouth was opened in fear, 
even to trembling, yet with a secret hope and 
confidence that the Lord would be mouth and 
wisdom ; with desires that he would bind my 
attention to his own immediate instruction, that 
the language of his Spirit might be only uttered 
by me ; and he was pleased to magnify his own 
Truth in the opening of these passages. I 
give this hint, that they who are concerned in 
the ministry may humbly trust in God, and not 
leau to their fears, knowledge, experience or 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 235 

wisdom, in opening the mysteries of the Gos- 
pel, but confide in the. key of David, which 
when it opens none can shut. Next day we were 
at Providence or Perkiomen meeting ; which 
though poor, and truth low, peace was afterwards 
measurably enjoyed, from an evidence of hav- 
ing been honest according to the ability given : 
and the day following at Plymouth, faithful 
friends were comforted in the gracious condes- 
cension of our holy head, who was pleased to 
favour with the aboundings of the life and love 
of Truth. We then returned to Philadelphia 
with thankful hearts for the evidence of peace. 

My companion returning home, I went in 
company with my brother on first day morning 
to Frankfort, having felt an engagement for a 
considerable time to visit that meeting. A sense 
of the declension of friends in this place, both 
in respect to numbers and the life of religion, 
was cause of heaviness of heart, but having 
performed my visit in faithfulness according to 
ability 9 returned with a degree of peace to the 
evening meeting in the city^ which was com- 
fortable ; staying there until the fifth day of the 
week ; in which time I attended the usual 
meetings, one with the Negroes much to satis- 
faction, and also the meeting for sufferings. I 
got safe home on seventh day the fourteenth of 
the first month, having travelled in this journey 
about four hundred and ten miles. 

On the twenty-second of the second month, 
I again left home in order to attend the quarter- 
ly-meeting at Burlington, and some particular 
meetings in New-Jersey ; as well on account of 
the yearly-meeting's appointment, as my qwh 



236 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

sense of duty, of which I had the approbation 
of our monthly-meeting signified by a minute. 
In my way I attended the monthly-meeting in 
Philadelphia with some degree of satisfaction ; 
then taking Chester or Adam's meeting in New- 
Jersey, reached Burlington on first day evening: 
the next day being the quarterly-meeting, at 
which with William Home and my brother 
William Brown I had some service. After 
staying the youth's meeting, they left me and 
I went to a meeting on fourth clay at a school- 
house^ where several friends met, also divers 
others who perhaps had not been at any place 
of worship for some time, and were easy about 
religion ; to whom it become my concern to shew 
how disagreeable and loathsome that state was, 
from Rev. iii. 15. "I know thy works, that thou 
art neither cold nor hot ; so then, because thou art 
luke- warm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue 
thee out of my mouth." It opened to me, that 
a luke- warm condition, to hold a profession of 
religion so as to take it ill not to be thought a 
christian, but at the same time to remain easy 
and not in earnest to experience the life, virtue, 
and power of Christianity ; not so cold as to for- 
get the name, nor so hot or zealous as to wit- 
ness the life of true religion, was very displeas- 
ing to the Almighty. A good degree of power 
attended the opening, and in treating on that 
passage, with much love to such luke-warm pro- 
fessors, which reached and tendered several be- 
yond expectation ; but no praise to man, though 
he may will or run, but to God who sheweth 
mercy. 

At Chesterfield monthly-meeting my friend 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 237 

John Wool man met me the next day ; a raw 
company attending on account of a proposal or 
two for marriage, which I suppose they expect- 
ed to be there presented; it was a time some- 
what low and distressing. The advice of the 
yearly-meeting not being here enough observed, 
which is against allowing such who are not mem- 
bers of our society to sit in our meetings for dis- 
cipline, unless they are nearly related to the 
parties concerned, of which that meeting was 
modestly reminded. I was also grieved that 
matters were introduced too much at the judg- 
ment or pleasure of individuals, by reason that 
they are not in the practice of holding prepa- 
rative meetings, the service of which, was par- 
ticularly recommended to their consideration. I 
had some reward of peace in having attended 
this meeting. We were next at a meeting in 
Trenton with a few friends whom the spirit of 
the world, I thought, had much laid waste ; 
there seemed more openness towards a few of 
other societies present, some of whom were ten- 
dered by Truth's testimony, which seemed to 
reach the witness in them. At Bordentown meet- 
ing next day, many were made thankful, the Di- 
vine presence being felt among us. From hence J. 
Woolman returned home, and John Sykes ac- 
companied me to Upper- Springfield, where the 
meeting was large, and through the Lord's mercy, 
open and satisfactory ; the testimony of Truth 
flowing in his love towards the youth, many 
were tendered thereby, the faithful were en- 
couraged and the negligent warned ; after which 
I went to Burlington to attend that monthly- 
meeting, then to the burial of Margaret Butcher 



238 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

at Mansfield, which was a laborious painful 
meeting, composed of a mixed multitude, yet 
something of an evidence attended Truth's tes- 
timony, so that the meeting ended with solidity ; 
from thence I went to Peter Harvey's and was 
thankful for the enjoyment of a peaceful quiet 
mind, though poor. Next day was at Old- 
Springfield meeting, which was slow and late in 
gathering, dull and heavy in sitting ; as will be 
the case, when and wheresoever the life and 
power of religion is wanting, or not carefully 
sought after and waited for, by those who pro- 
fess it ; which was observed to them in the love 
of Truth, and in the simplicity and plainness 
thereof; so that I left this meeting with a heavy 
heart, not from a sense of any omission of duty 
on my part, but lest they should too soon forget 
what manner of persons they saw themselves to 
be in the light, that discovers and answers the 
witness, as face answers face in a glass. Then 
taking meetings at Mount Holly, Rancocus, and 
visiting the widow of Peter Andrews, I was at 
a large meeting at Evesham on first day follow- 
ing ; but the expectations of the people being 
much outward, occasioned a painful deep wait- 
ing a considerable time, or at least I thought so, 
when at length I felt some pressure on my mind 
to stand up, which, as I followed carefully, 
Truth opened into the state of the meeting to 
my admiration ; that I was enabled therein with 
an innocent boldness to attend thereto in speak- 
ing, which yielded me great peace after the meet- 
ing, and I was thankful for that opportunity. 
Next day I attended Haddonfield monthly- 
meeting, at which were Samuel Nottingham 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 239 

and William Home, whose company was com- 
fortable and of advantage to the meeting. I then 
visited the meetings at Pilesgrove, Alloways 
Creek, Greenwich, Lower Alloways Creek, 
Salem, and one at Raccoon Creek, to which 
many sober people came not professing with 
us ; also a large, and I believe to some a satisfac- 
tory meeting at Woodberry ; the state whereof 
opened pretty clearly, the humble being in- 
structed ; but I was sensible of an opposition 
here to some part of what I had to deliver to a 
self-righteous state, yet through the mercy of 
our gracious Lord, I left this meeting with an 
evidence of peace, and an affectionate heart 
yearning towards them ; then went to Haddon- 
field to attend the quarterly-meeting for Glou- 
cester and Salem counties, and from thence to 
the general spring-meeting at Philadelphia ; 
after which I returned home, having been out 
five weeks and three days. 

After this journey I did not go much abroad 
for more than a year, except to attend our quar- 
terly-meeting, and the yearly and general spring- 
meeting at Philadelphia. 

In the year 17^9, 1 had some drawings in my 
mind to visit a few meetings in Maryland and 
Virginia, also the yearly -meeting at West-Ri- 
ver ; in which having the concurrence of our 
monthly-meeting, I left home on the twenty- 
eighth of the fifth month, and next day w r as at 
Gunpowder meeting ; then at Elkridge with a 
few friends and divers not professing with us, 
amongst whom there was an openness to hear 
the testimony of Truth declared ; but for want 
of a steady walking in the professors thereof, 



240 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

it seems in a great measure laid waste. That 
night I lodged at the house of a kind man, but 
have to remark that natural affability in any 
one, unless it is sweetened by the baptism of the 
spirit of Truth, is of little value. On fifth day 
I was at a new meeting-house at Indian Spring 
with a few friends, some of whom I fear, scarcely 
know what they profess ; the next had a meet- 
ing at Samuel Plummets house at Patuxent to 
satisfaction ; and on seventh day the yearly- 
meeting at West-River began, which held until 
fourth day following, which was in the main 
the most open and satisfactory meeting I was 
ever at in that place. I thought a disposition 
rather prevailed among the younger sort, to at- 
tend to the discipline more closely than in times 
past. Then taking a meeting at Sandy Spring, 
I proceeded to Fairfax, being about forty miles, 
where I had a comfortable meeting on first day, 
for which the hearts of many were made thank- 
ful to the author of all good. The same day 
we had also a satisfactory opportunity in Mah- 
lon Janney's family, his mother being indis- 
posed : and the next day attended Monaquasy 
meeting in Maryland, where truth is at a low- 
ebb, through the conduct of some unfaithful pro- 
fessors. Our next was a precious meeting with 
a few sincere friends at Bush Creek. That 
evening I went to William Farquhar's, having 
a meeting at Pipe Creek next day, which was 
pretty open, and satisfactory, and one the day 
following at Petapsco Forest amongst a wither- 
ed people. Alas ! to profess the truth and not 
possess it in sanctification of spirit, makes little 
meetings feel desolate. From thence I returned 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £41 

home to our monthly-meeting, being absent 
nineteen days, and rode near three hundred and 
fifty miles, Samuel England being my com- 
panion. 

In this year I was also engaged with my 
friend John Woolman in visiting some active 
members of our society, who held slaves, first 
in the city of Philadelphia, and in other places ; 
also in New Jersey ; in which service we were 
enabled to go through some heavy labours, and 
were favoured with peace. Divine love in a 
tender sympathy prevailing at times, with a 
hope that these endeavours would not be in vain. 

In the second month, I76O, I acquainted our 
monthly-meeting, that in order to proceed in 
performing the appointment of the yearly-meet- 
ing, having also a draught in my own mind, I 
had an inclination to visit some meetings up 
the river Delaware, particularly the monthly- 
meeting of Kingwood in New-Jersey. With 
which having the approbation of friends, I set 
out from home on the twenty-sixth of the fifth 
month following, and reached the Bank meeting 
in Philadelphia the next day ; from thence 
proceeded to the quarterly- meeting for Bucks 
county held at Buckingham, where, though 
things were low, the affairs of the church were 
transacted in a good degree of amity and peace. 
It was a large meeting, therG being a great ap- 
pearance of young people, some very hopeful ; 
who in the love of truth were exhorted to come 
up in their places, by learning discipline of the 
author thereof, viz. the Spirit of Truth, and 
they were cautioned against that very unbecom- 
ing and hurtful practice, though too common, of 

x 



24£ THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

going out after worship, and standing without 
in companies talking when they should keep 
their places in the meeting ; which should quiet- 
ly and solidly proceed on the business coming 
before it. Heavenly love was felt by the tender 
in spirit, which I hope will be remembered by 
many. The next day the general or youths- 
meeting was large, open and satisfactory in the 
main ; for which the name of the Lord was 
praised. Next day I spent in visiting a widow, 
also other aged and infirm friends, in the per- 
formance of which duty I had some satisfaction ; 
and on first day was at Plumstead meeting, 
which was large and Aery comfortable, the di- 
vine presence being felt, the power of Truth 
prevailed to the tendering of many : but such 
favour being not of him that willeth or runneth, 
but of God that sheweth mercy, to him belong- 
eth the praise of all, who is worthy for ever. 
In the evening I attended a meeting at a school- 
house near Samuel Eastburivs, in which I had 
some particular service, the states of many pre- 
sent being very clearly opened before them in 
the love of the Gospel ; which made deep im- 
pression on some who were much broken, and 
I believe it would be as dew on their hearts, if 
they would remain enough in the valley of hu- 
mility. 

I was the next day at Buckingham monthly- 
meeting, which in the time of business suffered 
much by the prevalence of a talkative noisy 
spirit, which mightily darkens counsel in those 
who give way to it, and leads into doubtful and 
trifling disputations ; so that I left that meeting 
with pain of heart, in a sense that the time had 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. M3 

been so lost, that several weighty matters could 
not be brought under consideration to advan- 
tage : which were therefore continued until the 
next month. 

Wrightstown monthly-meeting on third day 
was more satisfactory, the spirit for discipline 
rather reviving, and I hope a desire among the 
youth at least for an improvement. It too fre- 
quently is the case, that some of the elderly 
sort are so bigotted to their old forms and cus- 
toms, that they will scarcely trouble themselves 
to examine whether these customs are agreeable 
to the testimony of Truth, or whether through 
inattention they have not swerved and fallen 
short in various matters that now occasion a dif- 
ficulty in the churches ; which difficulties^ must 
be laboured under for a season by the bajptized 
members, who nevertheless, as they keep their 
places will grow stronger. 

x\ccompanied by my friend Thomas Ross I 
attended the Falls monthly-meeting, wherein I 
was comforted from a sense that a tender people 
were among them, though they felt a time of 
dearth, whom the Lord would in his own time 
water as his peculiar heritage ; but this comfort 
was heavily ballasted from a secret fear attend- 
ing me, that there were among them some, who 
like the heath in the desert, know not when 
good cometh ; such who were easy in a dead 
form, and contented with a name, neglecting to 
wait for that transforming power which would 
renew into the image and life of the Son of 
God ; to whom in the love, and plainness of 
the Gospel, I was constrained to clear myself. 
The meeting for discipline was pretty open and 



244 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

ended in a good degree of sweetness ; we went 
home with the wife of Joseph White, who was 
then on a religious visit to friends in Europe, 
and had a comfortable season in the family with 
the children ; she appearing to be resigned in 
the absence of her husband, her spirit being 
sweetened with the truth in innocent quietude. 
At Middletown monthly- meeting the next 
day truth seemed to be low, but we had some 
service in the discipline, that I came away with 
peace; and the day following, in company with 
Joshua Ely, went to Jacob BirdshaPs in Am- 
well township, New-Jersey, and had a meeting 
in his barn, which, being a wet time, was small. 
There are few here who profess with us, some 
of wfyom seem to have nothing more than the 
name.. Next morniug we called at the house 
of an old professor ; he and his wife were both 
ancient but full of talk. I felt a desire to visit 
them, and had a full time to clear myself in a 
close and plain manner, though in love to them. 
After which going to Kingwood or Bethlehem, 
attended two meetings there on first day, when 
truth favoured in opening the states of the peo- 
ple in mercy to many, which may be of advan- 
tage if rightly remembered ; then proceeding to 
the Drowned-lands so called, had there a meet- 
ing with a few professors who seemed too much 
withered ; then taking another at Paulinas Kiln 
to pretty good satisfaction, returned to King- 
wood monthly-meeting then held at Hardwick. 
Several hopeful young people belong thereto ; 
the meeting was comfortable, friends rejoicing 
in the company one of another, and in the Lord 
for his merciful regard. Next day I returned 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 245 

to Bethlehem, and from thence to Gwynnedd 
meeting on first day ; after which I rode to 
Uwchlan, about twenty-eight miles, from thence 
home, where I found all well ; having been ab- 
sent three weeks, and rode about four hundred 
and sixteen miles in this journey. 

Having a draught of love and a motion there- 
in to visit the monthly and particular meetings 
within our own quarter, on the west side of Sus- 
quehanna river; with the concurrence of our 
monthly-meeting on that occasion, I set out from 
home on the seventeenth of the tenth month in 
company with my brother-in-law James Brown, 
who likewise had the approbation of Goshen 
monthly- meeting for this purpose. We visited 
the meetings at Pipe Creek, Bush Creek and 
Monaquasy in Maryland ; in the first of which 
the Lord was pleased to favour in opening the 
state of friends to the tendering the hearts of 
many ; the other was satisfactory, and the last 
seemed to be a renewed visitation to a raw de- 
clining people, several of whom were tendered 
through the gracious long-suffering of Infinite 
goodness. We were next at the preparative 
meeting at Fairfax in Virginia ; then at Goose 
creek, wherein truth owned our service to the 
comfort of the faithful; we then attended the 
meeting of ministers and elders, also the month- 
ly-meeting at Fairfax, likewise the first day 
meeting there, and one that evening in Francis 
Hague's house, whose wife was indisposed. Se- 
veral disorderly walkers being present, the Lord 
was pleased to open, and give ability to speak 
to their states in a measure of his heart-tendering 

x2 



£46 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

love, to the reaching the witness in some ; after 
this returning to the widow Janney's, we had 
a precious opportunity with her and children to 
our mutual satisfaction. 

Our next meeting was at Potts's near the 
South-mountain, which was open for doctrine, 
several of other religious professions attending, 
who appeared loving and well satisfied ; then at 
Crooked-run, near the North-branch of Shan- 
andoa-river, in company with several other 
friends from Pennsylvania, some of us being a 
committee appointed by our quarterly-meeting, 
the friends living here having requested to have 
a meeting settled among them. The opportu- 
tunity was to some satisfaction, there being some 
young people who I hope will grow in the truth, 
though some of those who are elderly appear 
too superficial. From hence we went to Hope- 
well preparative meeting, also to a small meet- 
ing over the mountain near Jesse Pugh's ; then 
we attended a select meeting at Hopewell ; and 
at the same place on first day, which was large 
and solid, many therein being much tendered, 
to the praise of the Lord whose mercy endureth 
for ever. In the evening we had also a satis- 
factory meeting at the widow Lupton's near 
Winchester. Next day we were at Hopewell 
monthly-meeting, where we found considerable 
weakness, as to the practice of the discipline ; 
on which account we had some labour to the 
comfort of the well-minded. On our return we 
had meetings at Monallan, Huntington, War- 
rington, and Newberry in York county Penn~ 
sylvaaia, and a seasonable opportunity with 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 247 

friends in Yorktown ; from whence I proceeded 
home with a thankful mind, having travelled 
about four hundred miles in this journey. 

In the spring of the year 1761, having an en- 
gagement on my mind to visit Barbadoes and 
some of the adjacent Islands, I proposed the same 
to my brethren at home for their weighty consi- 
deration before I asked for their certificate ; who 
after a time expressed their unity therewith, and 
gave me a certificate, to which the quarterly-meet- 
ing signified their approbation. At our next year- 
ly-meeting I laid my concern before the ministers 
and elders, when, for any thing that appeared, I 
had their unity and prayers. I came home, in- 
tending to proceed before the winter sat in, and 
attended our general meeting at Nottingham in 
the tenth month, but in a few days after was 
taken ill with a fever, which with bodily pain 
and exercise of mind reduced me to a very low 
and weak state j* but the Lord was pleased to 
give me inward strength, influencing my mind 
with love to all men, and great love to the mem- 
bers of our religious society, the state whereof 
I saw in a clear manner ; and I so far recover- 
ed as to attend our quarterly-meeting at Lon- 
don- Grove in the eleventh month, at which I 
had an opportunity to clear myself to my hum- 
ble admiration, and was inwardly comforted. 
Soon after which, my concern for going to Bar- 
badoes continuing, I went to Philadelphia to 
inquire for a passage, when my friends inform- 
ed me of five vessels, three of which were near 
ready to sail ; but understanding that all of 

* Seepage 251>. 



248 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

them were prepared with guns for defence, I 
felt a secret exercise on my mind, so that I 
could not go to see any of them ; but kept quiet 
from sixth day evening until second day morn- 
ing, when I went to the meeting of ministers 
and elders, where I had a singular freedom to 
let friends know, " that I came to town in order 
to take my passage for Barbadoes, but found 
myself not at liberty to go in any of those ves- 
sels, because they carried arms for defence ; for 
as my motive in going, was to publish the glad 
tidings of the gospel, which teacheth love to all 
men, I could not go with those who were pre- 
pared to destroy men, whom Christ Jesus our 
Lord and Master laid down his life to save and 
deliver from that spirit in which wars and fight- 
ings stand." I further added, " if I had a con- 
cern to visit in gospel love, those now living at 
Pittsburgh or Fort Duquesne, do you think it 
would become me to go along with a band of 
soldiers, as if I wanted the arm of flesh to guard 
me ; would it not be more becoming to go with 
a few simple unarmed men ? I now tenderly 
desire your sympathy and advice." One honest 
friend said, " keep to the tender scruple in thy 
own mind, for it rejoices me to hear it; and se- 
veral said, they believed it would be best for me 
to mind my own freedom." I then begged that 
friends would consider weightily, whether it 
was right for any professing with us, to be 
owners or part owners, charterers, freighters, 
or insurers of such vessels that a friend could 
not be free to go passenger in on a gospel mes- 
sage. And as I returned to my lodgings, I felt 
so much peace of miud in thus bearing my tes* 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 249 

iimony, that I thought if all my concern ended 
therein, it was worth all my trouble ; though at 
that time I did not think it would, yet was quite 
easy to return home and wait until my way ap- 
peared more open. And as my concern went 
off in this manner, I have been since led to con- 
sider, that I could not have borne that testimony 
so fully and feelingly, if I had not been thus re- 
strained. The wisdom and judgments of the 
Lord are unsearchable, and his ways past find- 
ing out ; and happy are they who move at his 
command and stand stedfast in his counsel. 

Our worthy friends John Stephenson, Robert 
Proud, Hannah Harris and Elizabeth Wilkin- 
son of Great Britain, being in this country on a 
religious visit, attended our yearly-meeting in 
Philadelphia this year ; which was large and 
favoured with humbling goodness, and in a 
sense of the divine presence that meeting ended 
very solidly. The services of these friends, I 
think, have been great among us in this land, 
both in their public ministry, also in the disci- 
pline of the church; and the remembrance 
thereof is precious I believe to many whom the 
Lord is preparing for his work. 

After this I spent a considerable time at and 
near home, except attending the quarterly, year- 
ly-meetings, and the general spring-meetings 
as they came in course ; in the meantime being 
careful to frequent the meeting I belonged to. 

A new monthly-meeting being allowed to be 
established at Uwchlan in Chester county, it 
arose in my mind to salute friends there with 
an epistle ; a copy thereof I sent to the first 
meeting in the first month 1763, being as follows, 



CM THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

" Dear Friends, 

" In the gentle springing up of gospel love 
and fellowship I salute you my dear brethren 
and sisters, and hereby let you know, that it is 
my fervent desire and prayer that you may in- 
dividually attend to the gift of God in your own 
hearts, and therein wait for the arising of his 
pure life and power ; that therein and thereby 
only, the affairs of the church may be transacted 
to the honour of Truth and your own peace and 
safety. For to speak in the church to the busi- 
ness and affairs of Truth, by the will, wisdom, 
and power of man, however knowing he thinks 
himself, will lead into its own nature ; and in 
the end minister strife and contention, and break 
the unity of the one spirit wherein the peace of 
the church stands. Wherefore I beseech you 
beware thereof, and as I know there are among 
you such whom the Lord by his spirit and the 
gentle operation of his power, is preparing for 
his own work ; mind your calling in deep hu- 
mility and holy attention of soul ; for in your 
obedience only, will you be elected and chosen 
to the work whereunto he hath called you. So 
shall you be made skilful watchmen and watch- 
women, placed on the walls of Zion to discover 
the approach of an enemy, in whatsoever subtle 
appearance ; and enabled to give warning there- 
of to others. May each of you stand upright 
in your own lots in the regeneration, waiting for 
the pouring forth of the spirit and anointing of 
the Holy Ghost ; by the renewing whereof, a 
true qualification is given, in the influence of the 
love of the Father, rightly to oversee the flock 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 251 

and family of oar God ; amongst whom there 
are some plants with you worthy of your care. 

" I should have been glad to have sat with 
you, in your monthly- meeting, from the sense 
of that love which I now renewedly feel to 
spring and flow towards you, but cannot well 
leave home. I therefore at this time, in the 
pure refreshing stream thereof again salute you, 
and remain your friend and brother, 

John Churchman." \ 

East Nottingham, 
1st Month 4th, 1763. 



In the time of his illness in the year 1761, as 
mentioned in page 34*7, he uttered divers 
weighty expressions, some of which were 
committed to writing by a friend who teas 
present; and being well worthy to be further 
preserved are here inserted, viz. 

In this sickness he was reduced very low, 
and sometimes said it looked unlikely that he 
should recover ; in the forepart thereof he often 
mentioned his being in great poverty of spirit, 
saying, that before he was taken ill, he felt such 
deep distress of mind, that he thought he was 
a cumber to the ground, and scarcely worthy 
to partake .of the meanest necessaries of life; 
that even bread and water seemed too good for 
him. 

On the fourth of the eleventh month, four 
friends being present, he spake in a very awful 
frame of mind nearly as follows. " Such build 



252 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

on a sandy foundation who refuse paying that 
which is called the Provincial or king's tax, 
only because some others scruple paying it, 
whom they esteem ; yet I have now clearly seen, 
as well as heretofore, that the testimony of Truth, 
if deeply attended to, will not be found to unite 
with warlike measures. And that it will in the 
Lord's time be exalted above all opposition, 
and come to possess even the gates of its ene- 
mies ; though it may appear mean and contemp- 
tible in the eyes of some now a days, as the con- 
duct of our primitive friends did, in divers re- 
spects in the world's view. And whosover con- 
tinues to trample upon, or despise the tender 
scruples of their brethren in relation to their 
clearness concerning war, will certainly find it 
a weight too heavy for them to bear. 

" My testimony on this account, so far as I 
have borne it, yields me satisfaction at this time; 
and the painful steps I have taken on sundry 
occasions, both in public and private, to dis- 
charge my conscience in the sight of God, in 
giving faithful warnings to my brethren and 
countrymen, both in a civil and religious capa- 
city, afford me comfort in this distressing season. 
I have clearly seen, and the prospect at this 
time adds divine strength to my soul, that the 
God of Truth is determined in due time to ex- 
alt the mountain of his Holiness above all the 
hills of an empty profession ; and all such who 
shall be admitted as clean inhabitants thereon, 
he wills them to be quite clean handed ; and 
that they should become subject to the Lamb's 
nature in every respect, and not shake hands 
with that nature which would tear and devour, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 253 

uor in any shape contribute to the price of 
blood." 

At another time he said ; " I have been led in 
the present dispensation allotted me, to behold 
the situation of divers particular friends, to whom 
I feel ardent affection ; who seem to have given, 
or sold away for this world's friendship, the tes- 
timony they should have borne for the Prince of 
Peace, who is the High Priest of our profession ; 
and for fear of breaking an outside unity, which 
will surely come to be broken, that the true uni- 
ty in the bond of peace may be exalted, have 
acted contrary to the former sight of their duty, 
and are thereby become halt, and dimsighted in 
several respects ; such, though they still seem 
to desire it, cannot attain to the spotless beauty of 
Truth, nor approach to the top of the mountain; 
on whose account I am afraid, that some of them 
will never recover their former strength, nor at- 
tain to that dignity the truth would have placed 
upon them, if they had been faithful ; the situa- 
tion of whom I have bewailed with anxiety of 
mind. I have been from my youth up accustom- 
ed to sorrow, and am a man acquainted with 
grief, and now remarkably. The lives of my 
brethren, and of all men appear exceeding pre- 
cious in my sight. It looks doubtful whether I 
shall ever see my friends met in a quarterly- 
meeting again, yet if it be the will of Divine 
Providence, I much desire it; having heretofore, 
through a timorous disposition, lest I should of- 
fend some, and for fear of the frowns of elder 
brethren, concealed some things I should have 
declared. And if I should now never more 
have a public opportunity, I speak thus in your 

Y 



254 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

hearing, to let it be known that I am still a 
well-wisher to all men ; and that my integrity 
to the testimony of Truth, against all connec- 
tions with wars and fighting, is now full as 
strong, or stronger than ever." 

On second day morning, the ninth of the ele- 
venth month, he said to this effect, viz. " I 
have been led to see the necessity there is for 
friends to beware of the custom of drinking 
drams, or strong spirits mixed ; I have for many 
years rarely taken any, except on particular 
occasions, and then but a very small quantity. 
It is my judgment, that the less any of us ac- 
custom ourselves to the use of those spirits, 
the better it would be for our constitutions iu 
general. I believe it is not consistent with the 
will of Divine Providence, that the course of 
nature should be obstructed and changed, and 
our animal spirits corrupted through the unna- 
tural warmth of spirituous liquors. 

" From my present sense and feeling of that 
regular temperance which is truly pleasing in 
the eyes of Heaven, I have mourned that the 
use of strong drink should become so prevalent 
amongst us who make so high a profession ; 
whose bodies should be temples of the Holy 
Ghost, and should not be defiled, or tainted with 
any degree of intemperance. In harvest there 
is generally plenty of other refreshment, which 
would keep the bodies of men as strong, and as 
capable to perform hard labour. Witness the 
health and strength of our forefathers in the 
first settlement of this country ; when strong 
liquors were very little used amongst them. 

" Alas ! how dimness has overtaken us, when 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 255 

we compare ourselves and our practices, with 
the temperance and moderation of our forefa- 
thers, and the early settlers of this Province t 
How sumptuous now are the tables, how rich 
and costly the apparel, the diet and the furni- 
ture of many of our friends even in the country ; 
but more especially in the city! How is the 
simplicity and plainness of Truth departed from, 
and pomp and splendid appearances taken their 
place ! And how much cost and time might be 
spared from needless things, and applied to 
better uses, to the bettering of our country, and 
helping to turn away the judgment which hangs 
over us, in part occasioned by these things, 

" I desire that my grand children may be 
brought up in a plain simple way, accustomed 
to industry, and some useful business in the 
creation ; not aiming at great estates, nor fol- 
lowing others in that way ; but give them useful 
learning, and rather chuse husbandry, and a 
plain calling for them in the country, than en- 
deavour to promote them to ways of merchan- 
dize ; for, according to my observation from 
my youth up, the former is less dangerous, and 
less corrupting. I observed when I was in 
England, that some of the greatest and wisest 
men in a religious sense, were brought up at 
the plough tail, or in some laborious occupa- 
tion ; where the mind is less liable to be divert- 
ed from an awful sense of the creator, than in 
an easy idle education. How many great men 
there are, whom I could name, whose way of 
living is mean and homely, in this world's ac- 
count, so that they have little more than real 



256 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

necessity requires ; and yet they are rich in the 
best sense." 

The next day, being asked how he was, he 
said nearly as follows. " 1 have slept sweetly, 
and seem much refreshed ; and though 1 feel 
myself very weak in body, I am full of Di- 
vine consolation, having never before had such 
prospects of heavenly things. It seems even 
as though my soul was united in chorus with 
glorified Saints and Angels, both sleeping 
and waking. I now believe I shall reco- 
ver, and that this sickness did not happen to 
me altogether on my own account. My way 
to recover is to be industrious and diligent 
in what I believe is required of me ; I have 
many messages to deliver, both in public, 
and privately to divers friends, whom I have 
seen to have missed their way ; and have in 
a great measure deprived themselves of the 
beauty wherewith an humble abiding in the 
truth would have dignified them : and some of 
my elder brethren, for whom I feel an uncom- 
mon nearness of affection, their lives never ap- 
peared to be more near to me, and I dare not 
conceal counsel from them, whether they will 
hear or forbear. Yea, I thought last night, I 
had a clear prospect of the situations of many 
within the verge of our quarterly-meeting ; it 
seemed as though the inward states of particu- 
lars were opened to me in full view ; the pure 
life in the brightness of religion never appeared 
to be more precious. An uncommon earnest- 
ness attends my mind, for the recovery of the 
rebellious, hypocritical, and backsliding profes- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 257 

sors of all ranks amongst us. And if I get to 
our quarterly-meeting, which I believe I shall, 
and can have time allowed me when there, I 
have tidings; important tidings, as from a dy- 
ing man, to many particulars. I have seen the 
mystery of the three days, or the prophet's laying 
three days and three nights in the belly of the 
fish. A wicked and adulterous generation are 
now, as well as formerly, seeking for a sign to 
things spoken closely ; but no sign shall be 
given them, save the sign of the prophet Jonah. 
Oar Saviour's sufferings for mankind, and af- 
terwards descending into the bowels of the 
earth, prefigured that his followers must, after 
his pattern, descend into Spiritual Baptism ; 
that they may rise again, freed from the dregs 
of nature, and from the corruptions of the crea- 
turely passions, before they can be qualified to 
see, and suitably to administer to the states of 
others. I have likewise seen the mystery of 
Ezekiei's sufferings, and bearing the sins of the 
house of Israel for the space of three hundred 
and ninety days ; which being accomplished, 
he was commanded to turn on the other side, 
and to bear the sins of Judah forty days, for 
the corruptions of that princely tribe, who 
should have been as way-marks to others. My 
state has been for several years past, my deep 
baptisms, and painful sittings in our meetings, 
like bearing the rod of the wicked ; in which 
dispensation I have been sometimes ready to 
conclude with Elijah, that the altars were 
thrown down, and the Lord's Prophets slain, 
and I, a mean worthless servant left alone, and 
that my life was sought also. I have now seen 

y 2 



258 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

the use of those dispensations to me, with the 
use of my late sickness, whereby I am reduced 
to great weakness of body; that I might be as 
a sign to this generation, and as with the mouth 
of a dying man, utter tidings without fear of 
giving offence ; tidings which I have hereto- 
fore concealed, through a timorous disposition. 
I have seen at this season, that the Lord hath 
preserved a living number in Israel, who have 
not bowed the knee to Baal, or the god of this 
world; I have also seen the conditions of many 
who have worshipped strange gods. And the 
corruption even of some who have assumed the 
station of ministers in our society, how they are 
deceived so far as to believe a lie ; have seen 
lying visions, and have caused the weak to 
stumble ; they have been speaking peace to the 
people as in the Lord's name, when it was only 
a flash, or divination of their own brain, which 
has tended to corruption and putrefaction in the 
churches. And I have seen how that many little 
ones have laid groaning as under the burden and 
oppression of these things, whose day of redemp- 
tion draweth near, when they shall be made by 
the Almighty as bright stars in the firmament 
of his power; and those who are corrupt, and 
settled on their lees, shall be punished. In this 
dispensation I have abundantly witnessed the in- 
comes of that peace and love which passeth all 
understanding ; neither my tongue nor capacity 
are able to set forth the bowels of compassion 
which I livingly feel to flow towards the whole 
bulk of mankind ; and especially to my brethren 
in profession. Yea, it seems as though no afflk> 
iiou would be too great to endure for their sakes, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 259 

if it might be a means to have some of them, 
whose situation I hare now been led to behold 
as particulars, restored to their former greenness 
and spiritual health, from whence they have 
fallen, and dimness has overtaken them. And 
though my outward man seems almost wasted, 
my spirit is strong in the Lord ; and in the in- 
expressible strength of affection, I have found 
my spirit led from place to place over the coun- 
try, to visit the souls in prison. Yea, I have 
beheld the dawning of that precious morning, 
wherein corruption shall be swept away from 
the church, and righteousness and Truth begin 
to flourish greatly. The day seems to me to be 
at hand ; and what if I say, I have a degree of 
faith that some of the children now born may 
live to see it. Through innocent boldness, my 
face now seems to be as brass ; and in the open- 
ings of the vision of life, I think I could utter 
gospel Truths, and discover the mystery of ini- 
quity which I have seen, without fearing any 
mortal man. I may be raised to live a while 
longer, though to die now, would be a welcome 
release to me. Yea, I could not desire to live, 
but for the longings of soul, and pantings of 
heart which I feel towards the precious seed in 
many whom I have now been led in spirit to 
visit. I have beheld their situation to be as 
lumps, taken or cut out from the bowels of their 
mother the earth, though much hidden from the 
view of mortals ; and are tempering and fashi- 
oning by the Divine Potter, in different shapes, 
for divers uses ; and I have seen that the Pot- 
ter's power is sufficient to pick out, and take 
away every gravel and little pebble of nature. 



260 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

Many I have beheld in this situation, set by, as 
it were, out of sight to dry, until all the damp- 
ness and natural moisture is removed from them ; 
not being yet fitted to undergo the operation of 
burning. But when properly prepared, and 
thoroughly dried, many will be brought to the 
fire, burned, and glazed, so that they may retain 
the liquor or wine of the kingdom with a sweet 
taste, without any degree of taint, or nauseous 
smell.** 

On the twelfth of the eleventh month, early in 
the morning, lie spake to this purpose. "I be- 
lieve 1 must endeavour to go to our quarterly- 
meeting, which began the fourteenth, although 
as to bodily strength I am very weak. There 
my mind is remarkably, sleeping and waking ; 
there I hope to be relieved of some things which 
seem to remain like a fire in my bones. I dare 
not forbear, I know it is the wav for me to re- 
cover my strength outwardly, and to be eased 
of that which is a heavy burden inwardly. I 
see I must go, and believe I shall recruit, and 
gain strength every day/* which was the case 
accordingly. He further said, " My mind has 
for several days been attended with an uncom- 
mon sweetness, the like I never knew for so 
long together, with a succession of soul- melt- 
ing prospects. I have freedom to relate what I 
had a sight of this morning before day, as I lay 
in a sweet slumber;" which was nearly in these 
words, viz* " I thought I saw Noah's Ark 
floating on the deluge, or flood, with Noah and 
his family in it ; and looking earnestly at it, I 
beheld the window of the Ark, and saw Noah 
put out the dove ; and I beheld her flying to and 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 26 i 

fro, for some time ; but finding no rest for the 
sole of liev foot, I thought she returned, and I 
saw Noah's hand put forth to take her in again. 
After some time I thought I beheld her put forth 
a second time, and a raven with her ; the dove 
fled as before for some time, and then I saw her 
return with a green olive leaf in her mouth, as 
a welcome token of the flood's being abated. I 
thought I saw also the raven fly, cawking, to and 
fro, but he did not return ; and it came into my 
mind, this is a ravenous bird, and seeks only 
for prey to satisfy his own stomach, otherwise 
he might have returned to the Ark with good 
tidings, or some pleasant token, as well as the 
dove. Again after a short space, I thought I 
beheld the mountain tops and some of the tree 
tops, beginning to appear above the waters, and 
that I could perceive the flood abate very fast ; 
and as the waters fell away I saw the trees began 
to bud and a gradual greenness of new leaves 
came upon them; and I heard the voice of the 
turtle, and saw many symptoms of a pleasant 
and happy season approaching, more than I can 
now relate ; and the prospect thereof ravished my 
soul. I beheld the trees blossoming, the fragrant 
valleys adorned with grass, herbs, and pretty 
flowers, and the pleasant streams gushing down 
towards the ocean ; indeed, all nature appeared 
to have a new dress ; the birds were hopping on 
the boughs of the trees, and chirping ; each in 
their own notes, warbled forth the praise of their 
creator. And whilst I beheld these things, a 
saying of the Prophet was brought fresh in my 
memory, and applicable as I thought to the view 
before me, viz. The mountains and the hills 



£62 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

shall break forth before you into singing, and 
ail the trees of the field shall clap their hands ; 
instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, 
and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle 
tree, and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for 
an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. See 
Isaiah, lv. 12, 13. 

" When I awoke, the prospect remained clear 
in my mind, and had a sweet relish, which now 
continues with me ; and the application of the 
vision seems to me in this manner. The flood 
which appeared to cover the face of the earth, is 
the corruption and darkness which is so preva- 
lent over the hearts of mankind ; the Ark repre- 
sents a place of safe, though solitary refuge, 
wherein the Almighty preserves his humble at- 
tentive people, who, like Noah, are aiming at 
perfection in their generation. The dove sets 
forth the innocent, harmless, and loving dispo- 
sition, which attends the followers of the Lamb, 
who are always willing to bring good tidings, 
when such are to be had. The raven represents 
a contrary disposition, which reigns in the hearts 
of the children of disobedience, who chiefly aim 
at gratifying their own sensual appetites ; the 
waters gradually abating, the trees appearing, 
and afterwards budding, the voice of the tur- 
tle and the pleasant notes of the birds, all 
seem clear to me to presage the approach of 
that glorious morning, wherein corruption and 
iniquity shall begin to abate, and be swept 
away; and then every thing shall appear to 
have a new dress. I am fully confirmed in the 
belief, that that season will approach, which was 
foretold by the prophet, wherein the glory of the 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 263 

Lord shall cover the earth, as the waters cover 
the sea ; and in a sense of these things my soul 
is overcome. I feel the loving kindness of the 
Lord Almighty yet waiting for the return of 
backsliders with unspeakable mercy ; and my 
soul in a sense of it, seems bound stronger than 
ever, in the bonds of the gospel travail ; which 
travail I hope will increase, and spread amongst 
the faithful, for the enlargement of the church : 
that the nations may iiock unto Sion ; which 
shall become an eternal excellency, even the 
joy of the whole earth." 

Again he expressed his having a prospect of 
the morning; and said, " The day star is risen, 
which presages the approach of the morning ; 
I have seen it in its lustre, and have a lively 
sense of that saying being again fulfilled in the 
New-Creation, see Job, xxxviii. 7« The morning 
stars sang together, and the sons of God shout- 
ed for joy. I have heard their sound intelligi- 
bly, and my heart is comforted therein. The 
potsherds of the earth may clash together for a 
season ; but the Lord in due time will bring 
about the reformation. The predictions of 
Archbishop Usher, mentioned in the preface to 
SewelPs History, have come fresh in my me- 
mory, and nearly correspond with the sense I 
have, that a sharp and trying dispensation is 
to come upon the professors of Christianity ; 
wherein the honest and upright hearted shall be 
hid as under the hollow of the Lord^s hand ; 
when rents, divisions and commotions shall en- 
crease amongst the earthly-minded, and one 
branch of a family be at strife with another, 
like the daughter-in-law against the mother-in- 



264 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

law, &c. and happy will it be for those who 
endeavour to stand ready for the approach of 
such a dispensation." 



CHAP. VII. 

His Visit to the Quarterly-meeting at Salem, and the 
General-meetings at Uwchlan and Goshen, in 
1764. — His attendance of the Yearly-meeting in 
Philadelphia, 1767 — And the General-meeting at 
Cecil in Maryland. — The Death of his Wife. — 
His Visit to divers Meetings in Chester and Bucks 
Counties — to the Yearly-meeting in Maryland.— 
Also to several Meetings in New-Jersey. — And 
some others in York County, Pennsylvania. — Also 
to Fairfax, &c. in Virginia. 

In the spring of the year 1764, I acquainted 
my friends, that I had a desire to attend the 
quarterly-meeting at Salem, in New- Jersey j 
wherewith having their concurrence, on the se- 
venteenth of the fifth month I left home and 
went to Wilmington, and next day in company 
with several friends from thence by water to 
our friend Joshua Thompson's at the mouth of 
Salem Creek. At the meeting of ministers and 
elders we were comforted together through the 
goodness of the Lord. On first day there was 
a large gathering of a mixed multitude, and 
quiet, the Divine power being felt and Gospel 
Truths preached, by the influence of the love 
whereof many hearts were tendered ; though I 
thought the beauty and solemnity of the meet- 
ing was a little marred by an appearance that 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £65 

was continued too long. To begin in the life 
and conclude in the power and life, is becoming 
a minister of the gospel. 

On second day morning the meeting of minis- 
ters and elders was again held ; it was a pre- 
cious instructive season in the love of Christ our 
holy head, by which the humble were united ; 
afterwards we had a large meeting for public 
worship, wherein the testimony of Truth flowed 
freely ; the call to the ministry and qualifica- 
tion necessary to preach the gospel being clearly 
set forth. In humble admiration I could re- 
newedly acknowledge, Thou art, oh Lord ! 
strength in our weakness, mouth and Avisdom, 
yea all things to thy humble depending servants 
whose trust is on thee, waiting for thy putting 
forth in the way, and gently going before them, 
blessed be thy holy name forever. In transact- 
ing the affairs of the discipline a spirit of bro- 
therly love prevailed. The youth's-meeting at 
Pilesgrove was also large and edifying ; the 
Shepherd of Israel being pleased to stretch 
forth the crook of his love, for gathering of the 
straying youth from pursuing after lying vani- 
ties and worldly pleasures ; ministering reproof 
to hypocrites and formal professors, yet comfort- 
ing his children and humble dependent follow- 
ers, to the praise of his own eternal name. The 
meeting of ministers and elders sat again by 
adjournment, when we had an uniting parting 
season. I returned to my friend Joshua Thomp- 
son's, next day to a meeting at Wilmington, 
and in the evening home ; being thankful that 
I had been enabled to perform this small jour- 
ney. 

z 



266 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

After which, having a strong desire to attend 
the general-meetings at Goshen and Uwchlan, 
on the eighth of the sixth month my dear wife 
and I left home, though I was very unwell with 
a cold taken in my return from Salem, and a 
fever attending me every day. We attended 
Uwchlan meeting on first day, also one in the 
evening at the house of our brother Daniel 
Brown ; which was dull and exercising, from a 
sense of the prevalence of a spirit which leads 
many into forgetfulness of God, after the vani- 
ties, love and pleasures of this perishing world. 
Next day the general meeting at Goshen was 
very large, and much disturbed by the going out 
and coming in of many, but through divine 
goodness it came to a better settlement before it 
concluded ; when solid friends, in a degree of 
the renewing of the Lord's comforting love, 
were refreshed in him and one another ; a visi- 
tation being continued to the youth, the praise 
whereof belongs to the great author of all good ! 

The general-meeting at Uwchlan on the day 
following was also large, and measurably at- 
tended with the ownings of Truth ; under the 
influence of which, admonition and counsel 
flowed freely to the youth ; the divine witness 
in several of whom was reached, and the name 
of the Lord praised, who is for ever worthy. 

In these large meetings, as on all other such 
occasions, it is necessary, in order for a proper 
qualification to minister to the people, humbly 
to wait to know the inward life, and baptizing 
virtue of the spirit and power of Jesus Christ, 
our all in all ; without whose help we can never 
do his work to his praise, but instead of gather- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 267 

ing the flock, we shall minister to their scatter- 
ing from the true place of feeding. After being 
at the preparative meeting at East-Cain and a 
meeting at Uwchlan, we returned home thank- 
ful to the Lord, who mercifully supported us in 
this small journey ; both of us being weakly 
and indisposed in health. 

In the ninth month, 1707, I attended our 
yearly-meeting in Philadelphia, which held a 
week ; all the sittings whereof, both for worship 
and discipline, were, through the overshadow- 
ing of divine favour, instructive to the humble 
waiters ; and the testimony of Truth, particu- 
larly against the unjust and unrighteous prac- 
tice of slave-keeping, greatly prevailed ; and 
friends were fully cautioned against bequeath- 
ing by will, as slaves to their posterity, the 
poor negroes, their fellow -creatures ; it being 
an unlawful act in the sight of the great and 
righteous parent of all mankind. This meet- 
ing concluded with a degree of awe and rever- 
ence, under the sweetening influence of the 
Father's love. I returned home to our general- 
meeting at Nottingham, which was held on the 
fourth and fifth days of the tenth month. 

After which, having a strong desire to attend 
the general-meeting at Cecil, in Maryland, I sat 
out in company with several other friends, and 
reached the first sitting of the meeting, which 
was small and dull ; the public meeting next 
day was very large and attended with some sa- 
tisfaction, those of other societies who were there 
were mostly pretty quiet. At the meeting of 
ministers and elders, the want of solid elders 
being evident, the consideration thereof was 



268 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

proposed to the quarterly-meeting, which was 
held in the afternoon of the same day ; when it 
was recommended to the monthly-meetings to 
observe the directions of the yearly-meeting, to 
chuse well qualified solid friends for that 
weighty station. 

The meeting for public worship was again 
large, being attended by many of other societies, 
and my brother William Brown was largely 
opened in doctrine to the edification of the audi- 
tory ; after which I had a short testimony tend- 
ing to close the foregoing. In the meeting for 
discipline I had occasion to lament that there 
were too few who feelingly understood the 
weight of such meetings, or were clean handed 
to move therein, either to their own profit or the 
help of their brethren ; yet there are a few who 
seern to be under a preparation for the work, 
and I hope will grow in their gifts. On third day 
morning business began again, and ended full 
as well as I expected. I thought the Lord was 
mercifully pleased to open considerable instruc- 
tion to such among them, who had ears to hear 
and hearts disposed to receive it. The meeting 
for worship, held that afternoon, was not so 
large as on the other two days ; the service 
thereof lay weightily on me, and I had a full op- 
portunity to relieve my mind towards the peo- 
ple, in opening to them the nature and ground of 
spiritual worship and true prayer ; also the true 
call and qualification for gospel ministry, de- 
claring what it was to live of the gospel, in op- 
position to a forced maintenance. Truth fa- 
voured, and the people were solid, several be- 
ing much reached ; the meeting ending to satis 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 269 

faction, with a sense of humble thanksgiving in 
many hearts to the Lord, whose mercies through 
Christ Jesus are to his people yea and amen 
for ever. 



His wife being under many years affliction with 
a Cancer on her head, which was now so 
greatly increased as to require his daily af- 
fectionate attendance, confined him mostly at 
home until after her decease, which was in 
the seventh month, 1770. She was a steady 
exemplary friend. Concerning whom the 
monthly -meeting of Nottingham give the fol- 
lowing testimony. 

" Our friend Margaret Churchman was born 
of believing parents William and Esther Brown, 
who lived at Chichester, in the county of Ches- 
ter in Pennsylvania, the thirteenth of the first 
month 1706-7 ; her father removing with his fa- 
mily into Maryland near the Susquehanna, 
died before she was ten years old. In the 
twenty-third year of her age, she entered into a 
marriage state with John Churchman, of Not- 
tingham, and being religiously inclined from 
her childhood, became a diligent seeker after 
that bread which nourishes the inward man, 
and thereby grew in religion ; and about the 
thirty-fourth year of her age, it pleased the Lord 
to put her forth in the ministry ; in which she 
was frequently exercised to the comfort and 
edification of the churches where she visited, in 
this and the southern Provinces ; being delivered 

z2 



270 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

in a degree of life, and gospel sweetness in per- 
tinent expressions, free from unbecoming ges- 
tures. She was an example in plainness, a 
diligent attender of meetings, and an humble 
waiter therein ; serviceable in meetings of bu- 
siness, having a good sense of discipline, with 
a becoming zeal to support the testimony of 
Truth in its various branches, and useful in the 
weighty service of visiting families. 

" In the latter part of her life she was for 
many years afflicted with a cancer on her head, 
which she bore with remarkable patience, re- 
signation and innocent cheerfulness ; attending 
meetings to the admiration of many who knew 
her disease ; which, notwithstanding various 
applications, so increased, that she became too 
weak to attend meetings some time before her 
decease, yet she retained her love to truth and 
friends to the last ; and in the sixty-fourth year 
of her age, being a minister about thirty years, 
she departed this life, on the twenty- eighth of 
the seventh month 1770? and was buried on the 
thirtieth, in friends burying ground at East- 
Nottingham, attended by many friends and 
neighbours ; at which time we had a solid sa- 
tisfactory meeting. 

f< Given forth by our monthly-meeting held at 
East-Nottingham, the twenty-seventh of the 
seventh month 1771* and signed on behalf 
thereof, by 

Samuel England, 1 Clerks * 
Rebecca Trimble, 5 

Having an inclination to attend Chester quar- 
terly-meeting, also some meetings within the 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £71 

verge thereof ; with the concurrence of friends 
I sat out on the first of the second month 1771 ; 
attended New-Garden monthly-meeting next 
day, in which the love of our merciful Father 
was measurably felt, to the comfort of the hum- 
ble in heart ; and on first day at Birmingham ; 
on the next had a meeting in the house of Rich- 
ard Downing at Milltown, with people of vari- 
ous sorts ; the Lord was pleased to assist with 
wisdom and ability, in measure, to divide his 
word in reproof, counsel, admonition and cau- 
tion, to the praise of his own name. On third 
day at Pikeland was a pretty full meeting 
though a very cold day. Truth was felt to be 
near us. A profitable opportunity was had also 
in the family of the widow Meredith, she being 
weakly did not get out to their meeting ; next 
day had a cold ride to Nantmill, where was a 
large full meeting and I believe beneficial to 
many present, by the tendering goodness of the 
blessed Shepherd of spiritual Israel ; the crook 
of whose heavenly love is still stretched forth 
to his sheep, who are not yet acquainted with 
the true fold of rest and safe feeding place ; his 
own works praise him. Uwchlan monthly- 
meeting on the day following was a laborious 
season, yet through Divine favour made com- 
fortable to the weary travellers, who had to 
rejoice together in a participation of the conso- 
lation of Israel, and thereinto worship his name 
who is worthy for ever. Goshen monthly- 
meeting was also laborious. When former ex- 
perience is fed upon, or the love or honour of 
the world and fleshly ease takes place, a spirit 
grows up in the church, which cannot judge for 



£72 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

God and his Truth ; for the judgment is his, in 
whose fear his children are made to rejoice, 
when his presence is known, and his humbling 
goodness manifested to his people. On flrst 
day I was at Middletown meeting, in which 
there seemed to be a tender visitation and call 
to the youth, to acquaint themselves with the 
God of their Fathers ; his love being measura- 
bly witnessed among us. The quarterly-meet- 
ing for Chester held at Concord, was solid and 
edifying, through the extending of the Heaven- 
ly father's love to the children of his family. 
From thence I went to Wilmington, visited some 
of my acquaintance, and had a comfortable sit- 
ting in the family of David Ferriss, his son Ben* 
jamin being ill in a consumption. I also attend- 
ed the monthly-meeting; which, though a search- 
ing time, was I believe to the comfort and edi- 
fication of many ; the uniting love of truth being 
experienced, rested on friends in the time of the 
business. After which I went to the monthly- 
meetings at Center and Bradford, and from 
thence to our quarterly-meeting at London- 
Grove ; then returned home, having great peace 
in performing this journey, and being favoured 
with ability, felt a degree of reverent thankful- 
ness to the Lord, who is all things to his ser- 
vants, who truly abide in nothingness of self ; he 
is therefore worthy of all obedience and honour 
for ever. 

On the twenty-first of the third month, I left 
my habitation in order to attend our general 
spring- meeting at Philadelphia ; in my way 
called at Wilmington, and was at the burial of 
Benjamin Ferriss before-mentioned. Our spring- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 273 

meeting was to me.. very comfortable, in a sense 
of the living presence of the Holy Head of the 
church, in which his true children were edified, 
and strengthened and mutually comforted one in 
another ; blessed be his name for ever ! 

At this meeting the brethren, both ministers 
and elders, apprehend it their duty in the love 
of Christ, to appoint such who are willing to give 
up their names to attend the several large or ge- 
neral meetings, which come in course in the en- 
suing summer before our yearly- meeting; to which 
they are expected to give some account of the 
meetings so attended by them; and feeling a 
small draught in my mind to be at that at Duck 
creek, I gave in my name to attend it. 

On my return from Philadelphia I sat with 
friends at their week day meeting in Wilming- 
ton ; which, through the continued goodness of 
the Lord, was in some measure a profitable sea- 
son, I hope to many. Here I felt a strong de- 
sire to see the friends together, who are owners 
of the grist-mills lately built at and near Bran- 
dywine, and upon notice thereof, they met the 
same afternoon at the house of Daniel Byrnes ; 
when I had an opportunity to discharge my mind 
in an affectionate manner, of what had impres- 
sed it towards them ; which they appeared to 
receive in a degree of the same love ; and as I 
believe it came from the author of all good, who 
is alone worthy of praise, a blessing may attend 
that opportunity if rightly remembered. 

On the twenty-sixth of the fourth month, be- 
ing accompanied by a friend and neighbour, I 
went to Duck creek, and was at the monthly- 
meeting there the next day : which was heavy, 



£74 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

occasioned by the prevalence of a formal luke* 
warm worldly spirit over many of the professors 
belonging thereto ; but through the long suffer- 
ing and continued mercy of God, there seemed 
to be a renewed awakening visitation to some. 
The meeting on first day was very large, the 
Lord being mercifully pleased to open the states 
and conditions of many, in a particular instru- 
mental manner, and in a measure of his holy 
heart- tendering power, which reached the wit- 
ness ; divers were humbled, and the meeting 
ended with thanksgiving, prayer and praises, to 
the Lord who is worthy for ever. 

On second day the meeting was not so large, 
occasioned by a fair being near ; nevertheless it 
was a season in which the doctrine and myste- 
ries of the kingdom of Christ were largely set 
forth to the people, by the influence of the spirit, 
and in the love and wisdom of the holy High 
Priest, who is all in all to his people. 

We had also three select opportunities with 
the ministers and elders, among whom there 
was great apparent weakness ; the reasons 
whereof were plainly made known to them, 
from the sense given in the love and fear of 
him, who will not own and unite with such as 
are defiled ; which plainness we had a hope 
would be profitable. 

Next day several of us were at George's 
Creek, which meeting is much declined. Where 
the love of the world and its alluring vanities 
prevail on the professors of truth, their affections 
are drawn from God, they grow slack in attend- 
ing meetings, and are a bad example one to an- 
other. It w 7 as a hard meeting ; but through 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 275 

the love of Christ, a measure of gospel anoint- 
ing enabled to open to them their states in great 
love and plainness, which seemed to affect some 
particulars; may it be remembered with reve- 
rence before him who is the author of all good, 
and praise worthy for ever ! 

Soon after my return home, feeling my mind 
engaged to attend the quarterly-meeting in 
Bucks county, with a few other meetings in 
Philadelphia quarter, I set out on the twenty - 
sixth of the fifth month, accompanied by Sa- 
muel England, and on the third day of the 
week following, was at the Bank meeting in 
Philadelphia, which was comfortable : on fifth 
day at the quarterly-meeting at Buckingham, 
and next day at the general youth's-meeting, 
which was large and divinely favoured ; then 
visiting several indisposed friends, on first day 
I attended Plumstead meeting, and in that week 
the several monthly-meetings of Buckingham, 
Wrightstown, the Falls and Middletown, also 
a public meeting at Maketield ; was on first day 
at Bristol, from whence I went with my friend 
James Thornton to their afternooon meeting at 
Byberry; had an appointed one at the same 
place next day, and in that week visited the 
several neighbouring meetings, one of which 
was a general youthVmeeting at Horsham, 
large and instructive, w herein the love of our 
Heavenly Father was felt by his truly depend- 
ing children; then taking meetings atGwynnedd, 
Providence, Richland, Oley, Exeter, Maiden 
creek, Reading, and on first day at the Forest, 
I from thence rode to Uwchlan, and on second 
day had a meeting at Mill town in the house of 



Z76 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

Robert Valentine; then proceeded home, hav- 
ing rode about three hundred and seventy miles 
in this journey, in which I was favoured with 
my health, and held travelling beyond my ex- 
pectation. At the gentle drawings of Truth I 
left my habitation, having little prospect of 
much before me, but was preserved in a quiet 
resignation to the divine will to do whatsoever 
should appear my duty ; beseeching the Lord 
to enable me to watch against every appearance 
of self in the great and pure work of declaring 
the gospel to the people ; and have great cause 
to be humbly thankful, that the Lord was pleased 
to own my service beyond expectation, to the 
exaltation of his own Truth ; blessed be his 
name for ever ! 

In the tenth month following I went to the 
yearly-meeting at Third-haven, in Maryland ; 
the meetings for worship held three days, and 
each of them were very large, and many gospel 
Truths were delivered in the love and power 
thereof, by which the witness of God was 
reached in the hearts of many of the people, and 
friends comforted and made thankful to the 
Lord, that he was pleased to own us with the 
overshadowing of his heavenly love. On fourth 
day morning the affairs of the discipline were 
finished; when we had a parting meeting, which 
through divine favour was a precious time to 
many. I had never been at the yearly-meeting 
when held at this place before, and now wit- 
nessed my heart enlarged in the love of the gos- 
pel to declare the same among the multitude of 
people who professed the christian name, and 
to remind them of their conduct and dress ; how 



OF JOHN CHURCHMxlN. 277 

different it was from that of those who formerly 
suffered martyrdom for their religion as now 
professed by the members of the church of Eng- 
land so called, who own the reformers as their 
predecessors. 

Feeliug a draught of love in my mind to- 
wards some meetings in New-Jersey, particu- 
larly at Egg-harbour ; having the concurrence 
of my friends at home, I set out on second day, 
the first of the sixth month, 1772 ; and taking 
in my way a meeting at Haddonfield, and ano- 
ther at the house of my friend Thomas Evans, 
which through the presence and power of the 
searcher of hearts was made profitable to some 
there present, reached Little Egg-harbour on 
seventh day, and the next attended the yearly- 
meeting ; in which the love of the gospel was 
felt to flow towards a loose, raw, uncivilized 
people, who appeared to attend there more out 
of curiosity, than a reverent thoughtfulness of 
worshipping almighty God. In the afternoon 
of the same day, the continuance of Divine fa- 
vour was remarkably evident towards the inha- 
bitants, for which the Lord made the hearts of 
his sensible children thankful to himself who 
is the author of all good. The meeting on se- 
cond day was also very large, in which the 
true children of the family were comforted in 
Christ Jesus the Lord and holy head of the 
church ; by the anointing virtue of whose pre- 
cious name and power, they were made to re- 
joice in the company one of another. Here 
parting with many valuable beloved friends, I 
went over the bay, to the upper meeting on 
Great Egg-harbour shore, which was large con- 
a a 



278 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

sidering the notice; here I was comforted in 
knowing for whose name sake I was made wil- 
ling to leave my company, and turn that way ; 
the Lord being pleased to own my service by 
the inspiration of a degree of his heavenly 
wisdom and love, to speak to the states of those 
that were present, blessed be his name who is 
worthy for ever. I went home with my friend 
Joseph Mapes, next day attended the lower 
meeting, which through Divine favour was a 
precious season ; then passed over to the Cape, 
and next morning was at a meeting at the up- 
per house, where many not of our society 
attended ; to whom the doctrine of the Gospel 
flowed in describing the nature of pure and 
undefiled religion, and wherein it consisted ; 
the people were still and quiet. In the after- 
noon of the same day I had a meeting at the 
lower house, which is called eight miles down 
the Cape ; this was an heart- tendering time, for 
which friends were made truly thankful. I 
thought it seemed like to be my last visit to 
these parts. From thence I went to Cohansy, 
Forty-five miles, to Mark Reeve's, where I 
rested the next day, being very weary and 
almost overcome with hard travelling. On first 
day I was at Greenwich meeting, and in the 
afternoon at Alloways Creek, which was very 
large; many of other societies attending, the 
doctrine of Truth flowed to them in a measure 
of the love thereof; next day the meeting at 
Salem was held in the Court-house, the meet- 
ing-house being taken down, and a new one 
building; on third day I was at the upper 
meeting near Alloways Creek, which through 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN, 279 

Divine goodness was an instructive time to some 
seekers. The passage treated upon was our 
Lord's description of the pharisee and publican 
who went up to the temple to pray ; the great 
difference in the form of their addresses was 
opened in a clear manner-, by the spirit of him 
who gave forth that parable, to my humble ad- 
miration, which was cause of reverent thankful- 
ness ; they who were sensible being encouraged, 
and the conceited formalists rebuked. 

From hence I went to John Davis's, had a 
comfortable opportunity with some indisposed 
friends in his family ; then taking meetings at 
Pilesgrove, Upper Greenwich and Woodberry, 
was on first day morning at Haddonfield, and 
in the afternoon at Newtown, which last was 
laborious, though I believe being blessed to se- 
veral present, was thereby made profitable ; that 
evening I went over to Philadelphia, weary in 
body, but cheerful in mind, being sensible of 
a degree of thankfulness for the continued fa- 
vour of my Lord and Master, who had been to 
me a quiet habitation and secret support in this 
journey. After staying two days, and on each 
attending meetings in the city, I took Wilming- 
ton meeting in my way home; having travelled 
about three hundred and fifty miles, attended 
about twenty meetings, besides having several 
comfortable opportunities in families. 

Being under an appointment with other friends 
of our quarterly-meeting, to visit friends of the 
monthly-meetings of Warrington and Fairfax, 
I set out on the seventh of the tenth month ; and 
taking a meeting with friends in Yorktown, we 
were at Warrington on first day, then visited 



£80 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

the several meetings of Newberry, Huntington, 
and Monallen, in which Truth owned our ser- 
vice in a good degree : our labour of love appear- 
ing to be kindly received, I hope may be useful. 
On the first day following five of us were at Pipe 
creek meeting; then at Bush creek, Monaquasy, 
Fairfax, Goose creek, and Southfork ; wherein 
the Lord was pleased in his wonted goodness 
and mercy to magnify his own name who is 
praiseworthy for ever. 

After a seasonable opportunity with friends 
held in the house of Abel Janny, at parting with 
them, we returned to Fairfax meeting on first 
day, where, under the influence of the Divine 
presence, the testimony and doctrine of Truth 
flowed freely to the people ; in a humble sense 
whereof, praises ascended to his holy name who 
is over all worthy for ever. 

Several of our company now r returning home- 
wards, three of us not being easy yet to return, 
two of us went to visit a friend who lay in a lan- 
guishing condition, which I believe w as service- 
able ; the love of our Heavenly Father being in 
some degree felt among us ; on third day we 
had a meeting at the Gap, so called, among a 
raw people, where Divine goodness measura- 
bly favoured the opportunity ; on the day fol- 
lowing we attended Fairfax preparative meeting, 
the two next days we visited some sick friends, 
and on seventh day w ere at the monthly-meet- 
ing, which was in the main satisfactory. On 
first day the meeting was thought to be the 
largest ever held at this place, and the gospel 
being preached in the love of it to the tendering 
the hearts of many, the meeting ended in hum- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £81 

ble thanksgiving to the holy Author of all good. 
Next day, in company with several friends of 
Fairfax, I attended a meeting at Monaquasy, 
where some came who did not make religious 
profession with us, which was an instructive 
tendering season, through the Lord's goodness. 
After a meeting at Bush creek, and another at 
Pipe creek, I travelled to Gunpowder, and at- 
tended the quarterly-meeting for the western 
shore of Maryland ; likewise the general meet- 
ing for worship on first day, at which were se- 
veral not of our society, whose hearts were reach- 
ed with the love of truth. Next day I had a 
meeting at the little Falls, and from thence re- 
turned home ; where, after staying three days, I 
went to our quarterly-meeting at London-Grove, 
the two last days of which afforded some com- 
fort and satisfaction. On the fourteenth of the 
twelfth month I went to Wilmington, on which 
day Margaret, the wife of John Perry was buried, 
after a short illness ; I spent part of the evening 
in his afflicted family to satisfaction. Staying in 
the town two days I attended their monthly -meet- 
ing, and thought there was a want of more mem- 
bers deeply baptized for the work which ap- 
pears necessary in the church at that place. At 
this time Deborah the daughter of David Fer- 
riss being in a declining consumptive state, and 
wasting fast, I visited her to my satisfaction; 
she appearing to be in a resigned humble frame 
of spirit, was an exemplary young woman 
whom I esteemed ; then going to Center and 
Hockesson meetings, I was at New-Garden on 
first day, which I thought, through divine fa- 
vour, an instructive profitable meeting to my- 

Aa3 



282 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

self, and perhaps to some others. The subject 
which opened was the necessity of not leauing 
to, or following any man, but of attending to 
the pure motion and secret influence of the spirit 
of Truth manifested in the heart, in the meek- 
ness and purity of the wisdom from above. It 
was that by which the churches were gathered, 
and the members preserved in the unity of the 
one blessed Spirit, and perfect bond of peace 
and good order. 

I next attended our preparative and monthly- 
meetings ; after which was confined mostly at 
home for about a month by a fever, during 
which time my mind was often much humbled 
under a sense of the prevalence of a dull, luke- 
warm spirit, as to the life and power of Truth ; 
earthly mindedness, and the cares and cumbers 
concerning the things of this present life, having 
drawn the minds of many into death. I never 
more clearly saw the necessity there was for us 
who profess the Truth, singly to attend to the 
gentle instructions of the holy Spirit thereof; 
which only doth, and ever will, lead and guide 
into all Truth, and preserveth from those errors 
and failings which are so abundantly evident 
among us ; whereby our hands are weakened in 
respect to a careful exercise of the discipline of 
the church. 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 283 



CHAP. vni. 

His attendance of the western Quarterly -meeting in 
the second month 1773 — The Spring-meeting in 
Philadelphia — And the General-meeting at Duck 
Creek — The Quarterly-meeting at Shrewsbury — 
With several other meetings in New- Jersey — The 
Spring-meeting in Philadelphia in 1774.* — His last 
visit to New- York — And Long-Island. — His last 
attendance of the Yearly-meeting in Philadel- 
phia. — His being at the Spring-meeting there in 
1775.— And his last Journey to sundry Meetings 
on the Eastern-shore of Maryland. — His last ill- 
ness with some weighty expressions in that time. — 
His Death and Burial. 

Being somewhat recovered of my indisposi- 
tion of body, I sat in our select meeting of 
ministers and elders on the first of the second 
month, 1773> » which I was comforted under a 
sense of our being owned in some degree by the 
visitation of Divine love ; and afterwards at- 
tended our quarterly-meeting at London-Grove, 
each sitting whereof was favoured with the con- 
tinuance of heavenly help, to the encourage- 
ment of the humble waiters. I returned home 
with thankfulness in my mind to the Lord, who 
had furnished me with strength in my weak 
state to sit with my friends, in which we ought 
to be good examples. I attended our own meet- 
ing on the fifth and first days following, and in 
the same week went to Wilmington to the burial 
of Deborah Ferris, before-mentioned ; after 
which, a solid and profitable meeting was held. 

On the twenty-sixth of the third month I set out 



284 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

from home in order to attend our general spring- 
meeting at Philadelphia, but did not get there in 
time for the first sitting thereof; such of them as I 
did attend, I thought were in the main, times 
of Divine favour. On my return homeward I 
was at a small meeting at Chester, also the ge- 
neral meeting at Wilmington, and soon after 
the general meeting at Duck creek, and their 
monthly-meeting preceeding it. The meeting 
there on first day was large, and though a mixed 
multitude attended, it was solid through the 
overshadowing of heavenly power; the Lord 
was pleased to open the mysteries of the king- 
dom, influencing my heart to preach the gospel 
in the love thereof to my humble admiration ; 
and many w ere tendered ; for which renewed 
visitation and favour, a sacrifice of thanksgiving 
ascended from the hearts of his children, to the 
all-powerful and merciful God who is worthy 
for ever. The meeting on second day was a 
time of consolation to the heavy hearted, instruc- 
tion to the humble seekers, and a season of 
strengthening to the weak ; blessed be the name 
of the Lord, for his mercies endure for ever. I 
was next at George's creek meeting, in which 
friends were encouraged, and in some degree 
refreshed, divers not of our society attending; 
the doctrine of personal election and reprobation 
as held by some, was refuted, and it was clearly 
pointed out wherein the election stood, viz. In 
Christ the seed, which cleaved unto, and cho- 
sen by man for his true instructor and leader, by 
his light and witness in the heart as a reprover 
for sin, and so followed and obeyed, man comes 
to know himself elected in him. I went home 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. £85 

with George Ford at Back creek, and had an 
opportunity in his family, I hope to some profit. 
Towards the fall of the year I had a draught 
in my mind to attend some meetings in the Jer- 
seys, particularly the quarterly- meeting at 
Shrewsbury; of which having acquainted my 
brethren at home, and had their concurrence, 
after attending our yearly-meeting in Philadel- 
phia and returning from thence, I set out in com- 
pany with my friend Samuel England on the 
twelfth of the tenth month, but was detained at 
Philadelphia by a fever which held me several 
days ; yet I so far recovered as to proceed on 
our journey, taking on our way meetings at 
Mount Holly, at a school-house near Shreve's 
mount in Upper Springfield, in which I had a con- 
cern to warn the youth to beware of Deism, and 
to shew the ground and cause of falling into that 
error; also at Upper Freehold, and in a friend's 
house near that called Robbins's meeting. There 
seems to be a visitation to the youth in that place, 
to which if they are faithful, that meeting may 
again increase. We reached the meeting of mi- 
nisters and elders at Shrewsbury, in which truth 
owned the lovers thereof; the public meetings 
on the three following days were large, and 
thought to be the most quiet and satisfactory 
which had been known of late years there ; the 
affairs of the discipline were, as I thought, pretty 
well conducted. Finding myself not clear of 
the members of our society at this place, I there- 
fore proposed to several friends, that they would 
favour me so much as to meet on their week 
day meeting day, which I understood they usu- 
ally had omitted in this week, requesting that 



J8G THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

they would acquaint their members with my de- 
sire of seeing them, their children, and families 
together. I therefore waited until fifth day, when 
they generally met, which gave me an opportu- 
nity comfortably to clear myself towards friends 
here, to the encouragement of the sincere ; be- 
ing led to shew the active members the cause of 
dwarfishness,' the love of the world, and its 
friendships choaking the good seed, which 
should grow and bear rule. I was thankful 
for this opportunity, and left them with the en- 
joyment of a quiet mind. From hence we pas- 
sed to Rahway, had a meeting at Woodbridge, 
and another at Plainfield, in both which truth 
owned my service. I thought there was a ten- 
der visitation renewed to friends in those parts, 
in the sense whereof I was thankful, and that 
I had been favoured with strength to pay them 
a visit in the love of my great and good Master; 
may I ever walk answerable to his manifold 
favours, who is praiseworthy for ever ! We 
were next at Stonybrook meeting, which was 
made precious in the renewing of Divine favour, 
and then at Trenton with a people who have 
much lost the life and savour of truth. From 
thence going to Byberry and Philadelphia, I 
reached the quarterly-meeting at Concord, which 
began on the sixth of the eleventh month. The 
next day I went to Chichester, where I wa9 
enabled to speak to the states of the people in 
the love of truth, which may be useful if re- 
membered in a right manner ; and returned to 
the quarterly-meeting on second day, which 
was comfortable, the Divine presence being felt ; 
our friend Elizabeth Robinson was there, and 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. flsr 

had good service. On third day I attended the 
general meeting at Chester, which was poor 
and dull ; the expectations of the people being 
too much outward, they were disappointed ; 
then attending the monthly-meeting at Wil- 
mington, tarried their meeting the next day, and 
proceeded to our quarterly-meeting at London- 
Grove ; at which we had the company of our 
friends Robert Walker, Elizabeth Robinson, 
and Mary Leaver, from Great- Britain. It was 
a season of refreshment and comfort to many 
friends. Then went home, having travelled 
in this journey about three hundred and sixty 
miles. 

In the third month, 177% I attended our ge- 
neral spring-meeting in Philadelphia, the divers 
sittings whereof were divinely favoured ; and 
after it, the general meeting at Wilmington, 
which was held chiefly in silence, and on that 
account remarkable. 

Having an engagement on my mind for some 
time to visit friends on Long-Island, with some 
adjacent meetings, I laid it before my brethren, 
who gave me their certificate for that purpose ; 
and on the third of the fifth month I set out on 
the journey, having the company of a friend 
from Wilmington. Taking a meeting at Phi- 
ladelphia, we reached New- York, attended their 
morning and afternoon meetings on first day ; 
and had an opportunity with divers friends in 
the evening; which was to me, at least, instruc- 
tive, and I believe through Divine goodness 
profitable to some others. We then had meet- 
ings at West-Chester, Mamaroneck, and the 
Purchase, the last being a monthly-meeting. 



£88 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

These opportunities were close and searching ; 
the testimony of Truth was encouraging to the 
well-minded, but very sharp to the formalists, 
and my mind was made thankful for the bles- 
sing of peace in the discharge of my duty. 
We next attended meetings at Flushing on 
Long-Island, Cow neck, Westbury, Matinicock, 
Sequitogue and Bethpage ; then at Newton, the 
monthly-meeting at Westbury, and the quar- 
terly-meeting at Flushing, where the yearly- 
meeting began the next day, which held four 
days ; and on the whole I believe it may be 
said, that the authority of Truth was in some 
good degree felt to keep down forward spirits 
both iii the ministry and discipline ; which was 
cause of thankfulness to the Lord who rules 
among his children, and is worthy of all praise 
for ever. Here I had the company of our dear 
friends Robert Walker, Elizabeth Robinson, 
and Susanna Lightfoot ; who intending for 
Rhode-tsland, I parted with them, and went 
to the monthly-meeting at New-York, which 
through merciful regard was comfortable ; from 
thence going to Rahway, had a meeting at 
Plainfield which Mas satisfactory through the 
extendings of Divine favour ; then at Kingwood 
on first day ; from whence, crossing Delaware, 
we were at Buckingham monthly-meeting, where 
I thought the true Spirit of discipline appeared 
to be much wanting in many. Here my com- 
panion returned homewards. The next day I 
was at WrightVtown monthly-meeting, which 
through the Lord's blessing was edifying to 
many, and we parted in peace and sweetness of 
Spirit. The day following I attended the meet- 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 289 

iug at Pine- street in Philadelphia, also that at 
High- street on fifth day, which was a precious 
opportunity to such who loved to live near the 
Spirit of Truth. From thence I went to visit 
my brother-in-law Daniel Brown near Chester, 
was at Newtown meeting on first day, and at 
an afternoon meeting near Amos YarnaPs ; then 
went to the general meetings at Goshen, and 
Uwchlan; after which, taking London-Grove 
meeting, I came home, having rode in this 
journey about six hundred miles, and feeling 
a degree of thankfulness that the Lord was 
pleased to give me ability to perform it. 

I tarried much at home the remaining part of 
this summer. On the twenty-first of the ninth 
month, set out in order to attend the yearly- 
meeting at Philadelphia ; which was very large 
in the several sittings, continued a full week, 
and I thought it the most solid and weighty in 
transacting the affairs of truth that I ever knew. 
The testimony thereof against slave keeping 
was wonderfully exalted, through the power 
and love of God, who is worthy of all praise 
for ever. In my way home I was at Provi- 
dence meeting, in which the testimony of truth 
went forth by way of warning to the luke- warm 
and declining professors, and of encouragement 
to the youth. 

Our general meeting at Nottingham next day 
was large, and I hope profitable to some. After 
which having a desire to be at the general meet- 
ing at Cecil, in Maryland, I left home on the se- 
venth of the tenth month, was at the quarterly- 
meeting of ministers and elders there on first 
day morning, which was profitably instructive 

8b 



290 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

through Divine goodness ; two public meetings 
for worship were held on first and second days, 
both large and solid; several other friends 
from Pennsylvania were there. The business 
of the quarterly-meeting ended on third day 
morning. On the same day we had a comforta- 
ble public meeting, from which we parted with 
friends in much love and nearness. On the 
following day was their monthly-meeting, to 
attend which several of us staid ; then having 
a desire to see friends at Chester-River, I went 
to their week day meeting, Nicholas Wain 
bearing me company ; the meeting was large, 
and through the Lord's goodness, it was, I be- 
lieve, made profitable to many. Then taking 
meetings at Sassafras, Duck-Creek, Motherkill, 
and Little-Creek, the two last being their pre- 
parative meeting at each place, the next day 
was their select meeting of ministers and elders, 
and their monthly- meeting the day following ; 
which, with divers other friends from Pennsyl- 
vania, we attended, and on the first and second 
days of the next week the general meeting at 
Little- Creek. I believe there is a renewed visita- 
tion to friends, and some others hereaway ; but 
formal professors at present appear to be as 
stumbling blocks by joining with the spirit of 
the world. I returned home with an easy mind. 



Weakness and infirmity of body gradually 
increasing upon our beloved friend, he frequently 
mentioned ; that many years past, it was unex- 
pected to him to live to his seventieth year, and 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN, £91 

to be favoured with health and strength suffi- 
cient to travel so much as he lately had 4 saying, 
that now he scarcely thought much more would 
be required of him. He however attended the 
western quarterly-meeting in the eleventh month 
this year, and in the second month 1775 ; in 
both which he was favoured with strength and 
clearness to speak to the state of the church, 
as well in some of the select, as the more public 
meetings ; tending to the edification and comfort 
of many. 

In the third month, 1775> he also attended 
the general spring- meeting at Philadelphia, and 
in some of the sittings thereof was much favour- 
ed. On his return home from thence, he was at 
Wilmington general- meeting, in company with 
our friends Robert Walker and Elizabeth Ro- 
binson, from Great Britain. 

His last journey was on a visit to most of the 
meetings on the Eastern-shore of Maryland, and 
to attend the yearly-meeting at Third-haven in 
Talbot county ; for which purpose he set out 
from his own habitation on the twenty-second 
of the fifth month ; having, according to his 
usual care, obtained the concurrence of his bre- 
thren; and was accompanied by a young man, 
William Jackson, a member of New- Garden 
monthly-meeting, who has given the following 
account of this journey. 

" Our first days ride was to George Ford's 
near Back-creek ; the next morning being damp 
and foggy, was very trying to his weak consti- 
tution ; yet we rode forty miles that day to Han- 
nah Turner's in Queen Ann's-county, which 
was thought to be a means of bringing on him a 



392 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

disorder which proved painful and afflicting, 
and increased till near his end. Being ad- 
vanced in age, his bodily infirmities appeared 
great, but the fervency of his mind for the pro- 
motion of Truth and righteousness, and his care 
as a father in Israel, was truly as prevalent as 
ever. On the twenty-fourth of the month he 
went to the preparative meeting at Tuckahoa ; 
wherein he was concerned to exhort some to 
faithfulness in times of temptation and trial, that 
they might experience an overcoming, and be 
enabled to strengthen their brethren. Next day 
we attended Third-haven monthly-meeting, in 
which he was qualified to speak instructively to 
the members thereof, particularly to such who 
were incumbered with much care about the 
things of this life; things, which although law- 
ful in themselves, yet when suffered to engross 
the minds and affections of people, obstruct a 
progress in religion. On the twenty-sixth, a 
meeting at Choptank was a time of heavy exer- 
cise on account of a lifeless, luke-warm, indif- 
ferent situation of mind, which seemed to attend 
divers there assembled : the next day we at- 
tended a burial at Third-haven, on which occa- 
sion a meeting was held, and he laboured honest- 
ly to arouse those that lived in the neglect of 
making timely preparation for their last awful 
and solemn change. On the twenty-eighth we 
w r ere at Tuckahoa-meeting, and on second-day 
at the Bay-side, where were but few of our so- 
ciety ; but several others attended who behaved 
soberly, and some of the younger sort were 
reached and tendered by Truth's testimony ; to 
whom he was led instructively to shew, That 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 293 

they need not give their money for that which 
is not bread, nor their labour for that which 
satisfieth not ; and opened to them the way of 
life and salvation, which is attained through the 
spirit, or free gift of grace that is come upon 
all men for justification ; so that if they attend- 
ed to the dictates thereof in their own hearts, it 
was sufficient to instruct them in the way of 
godliness ; but when people go from, and ne- 
glect this inward teacher, seeking to, or depend- 
ing on learned men, they err. 

" Next day we had a religious opportunity 
in the family of John Bartlett, and on fourth 
day went to Tuckahoa meeting again ; where 
he had to speak of the sufficiency of the 
grace of God, and the inconsistency of peo- 
ple's living in a profession thereof without be- 
ing sound in the faith, or fully believing in this 
principle as sufficient for salvation. We next 
attended the meetings at Third-haven, and 
Marshy- creek. The yearly-meeting began on 
seventh day, and continued until the fourth of 
the following week ; which, although he was 
feeble and unwell, he attended the several sit- 
tings thereof, being nine in the five days, and 
the last held seven hours. He was enabled 
to appear for the cause and testimony of truth, 
both in the meetings for worship and discipline; 
and like the good scribe well instructed in the 
things of the kingdom, had to bring forth 
out of the treasury, things new and old, profi- 
table and instructive, being seasoned with the 
love and virtue of truth. After the meeting on 
fourth day, we went to the house of Joseph Berry, 
where next morning had a religious opportunity 

Bb2 



294 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

in the family ; and the day following a meeting 
in Queen Ann's Forest, from whence we went 
to Joshua Vansant's. Here he was very poorly, 
having taken some fresh cold ; the next day be- 
ing very warm, he was much spent with riding, 
and said, as he had at several times before on 
this journey, " that he believed it would be his 
last, if he lived to reach home, which at times 
he thought seemed unlikely." On first day, the 
eleventh of the sixth month, he had a meeting 
in a school-house at Back-creek, among a peo- 
ple who behaved with much sobriety, which was 
a satisfactory time, very instructive and open 
for doctrine ; and that evening reached home, 
having travelled in this journey about two hun- 
dred and ninety miles." 



On the fourteenth of the sixth month he went 
to the week day meeting at London-Grove, to 
meet with a committee of our quarterly-meeting 
on particular business, and returned to our meet- 
ing a^ Nottingham the next day. On the first 
day of the week following, was there also. In 
the same week he attended our preparative and 
monthly-meetings ; but a fever daily increasing 
upon him, he was afterwards chiefly confined at 
home. 

On the fourth of the seventh month he ex- 
pressed himself thus. " I am glad that I am 
at home, I have ever found it best when my ser- 
vice abroad was over, to get home as quick as 
might be ; and though I have felt great inward 
poverty and weakness since my last journey, 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 295 

so that I can neither see my beginning, nor end- 
ing, but seem as if all were hidden ; yet I hope, 
if Providence shall see meet to remove me at 
this time, some light will appear again, and 
that it will be otherwise before I go." 

At another time he spake to this purpose. " I 
have found myself much stripped as to a sense 
of good, and tried with poverty many days. I 
suppose I have been accounted by some, as one 
of the better sort of people ; but have seen great 
occasion to beware of a disposition that would 
seek to feed upon the praise or commendations 
of others. A carnal selfish spirit is very *ipt to 
present, and creep in here if possible ; and I 
have seen it hurt many who have had right be- 
ginnings. It always introduceth dimness, and 
oppression to the pure, precious, innocent life 
of truth ; which only groweth up into dominion, 
through deep abasement of soul, and the entire 
death of self. 

At several other times he signified to this ef- 
fect. " My present baptism of affliction hath 
tended to the further refinement of my nature, 
and to the bringing me more perfectly into the 
image of my master." 

He frequently expressed his full submission 
to the Divine Will, either respecting life or 
death ; several times sayiug, " I now expe- 
rience my life and my will to be slain, and I 
have no will left." 

In the two last weeks of his time it appeared 
that his desire and hope, mentioned in the fore- 
part of his illness, for light again to appear, 
was fully answered by the fresh influence there- 
of ; so that although his pain was often great, 



296 THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

he would many times in a day break forth into a 
kind of melody with his voice, without uttering 
words ; which, as he sometimes intimated, was 
an involuntary aspiration of his soul in praise 
to the Lord, who had again been pleased to 
shine forth in brightness after many days of po- 
verty and deep baptism : which though painful 
had proved beneficial to him ; being a means of 
further purifying from the dregs of nature ; say- 
ing, he was at times afraid to discover that me- 
lody in the hearing of some that visited him, lest 
they could not comprehend its meaning, and 
might therefore misconstrue it. 

On second day morning, the seventeenth of 
the seventh month, being asked by a friend how 
he was, he replied, " I am here in the body yet, 
and when I go out of it I hope there is nothing 
but peace." And soon after further said. " I 
have seen that all the bustles, and noises that 
are now in the world will end in confusion ; 
and our young men that know not an establish- 
ment in the Truth and the Lord's fear for a 
ballast, will be caught in a trying moment." At 
another time he said. " I feel nothing but 
peace, having endeavoured honestly to discharge 
myself in public, and privately to individuals 
as I apprehended was required; and if it be 
the Lord's will that I should go now, I shall 
be released from a great deal of trouble and 
exercise, which I believe friends who are left 
behind will have to pass through." 

On the twentieth of the same month he thus 
expressed himself. " I love friends who abide 
in the truth as much as ever I did ; and I feel 
earnest breathings to the Lord, that there may 



OF JOHN CHURCHMAN. 297 

be such raised up in the church who may go 
forth in humility, sweetness, and life ; clear of 
all superfluity in expressions and otherwise ; 
standing for the testimony, that they may be 
useful to the church in these difficult times." 

About three days before his death, several 
friends being in his room, he spake as follows. 
" Friends in the beginning, if they had health 
and liberty, were not easily diverted from pay- 
ing their tribute of worship to the Almighty on 
week days as well as first days ; but after a 
while, when outward sufferings ceased, life and 
zeal decaying, ease and the spirit of the world 
took place with many ; and thus it became cus- 
tomary for one or two out of a family to attend 
meetings, and to leave their children much at 
home ; parents also if worldly concerns were 
in the way could neglect their week day meet- 
ings sometimes; yet be willing to hold the 
name, and plead excuse because of a busy 
time, or the like. But I believe that such a 
departure from primitive integrity ever did, and 
ever will, occasion a withering from the life of 
true religion." 

To a friend who came to visit him on the 
twenty-first of the seventh month, he said. " T 
feel that which lives beyond death and the grave, 
which is now an inexpressible comfort to me 
after a time of deep baptism that I have passed 
through. I believe my being continued here 
is in the will of Providence, and I am fully 
resigned. 7 " 

His illness increasing, he said but little on 
seventh day the twenty-second ; in the after- 
noon he was very low, and speechless about 



9M THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

twelve hours ; early on first day morning he 
recruited a little, and gave directions about his 
coffin to a friend who sat up with him being a 
joiner; continuing rather easier the forepart of 
that day and appearing cheerful, he expressed 
divers weighty sentences, like farewell exhor- 
tations to some who came to see him. On se- 
cond day morning he set up a considerable 
time. In the afternoon he appeared lively and 
sensible, though very weak ; thus expressing 
himself. " I am much refreshed with my 
Master's sweet air, I feel more life, more light, 
more love, and sweetness than ever before :" 
and often mentioned the Divine refreshment and 
comfort he felt flowing like a pure stream to his 
inward man ; saying to those who were with 
him, " I may tell you of it, but you cannot feel 
it as I do." 

In the evening, a young person coming into 
the room, looking at her earnestly and affection- 
ately, he said, "Deborah arose a mother in Is- 
rael f* and shortly after, " The sweetness that 
I feel;" then his difficulty of breathing increas- 
ed, and being turned once or twice, he request- 
ed to be helped up, and was placed in his chair, 
in which he expired, about the ninth hour, on 
second day night, the twenty-fourth of the se- 
venth month, 1775 ; being aged near seventy, 
and a minister about forty-two years : and was 
buried on the twenty-sixth in friend's grave- 
yard at East-Nottingham, a large concourse of 
people attending ; after which a solemn meet- 



ing was held. 



THE END. 



